Boeing is facing a challenging period marked by significant financial difficulties and workforce adjustments. The company announced it would lay off approximately 10% of its workforce, amounting to 17,000 jobs, as part of a strategy to cope with a massive ongoing strike and financial losses. Boeing’s defense unit reported a substantial $2 billion loss in the third quarter, with no specific breakdown provided for the losses tied to the MQ-25 and Starliner programs.

The financial strain on Boeing is compounded by the delay of the first 777X jet delivery, a decision influenced by the ongoing strike and the company's economic troubles. Meanwhile, NASA astronauts are tasked with analyzing failures related to the Boeing Starliner before they can return home, highlighting technical challenges alongside financial woes. The Starliner recently returned to Earth without astronauts on board, pointing to unresolved issues that need addressing in the aerospace and defense sectors.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has not detailed how losses are distributed across various projects but acknowledged the difficulties faced. As the company navigates these turbulent times, the emphasis remains on resolving technical failures and stabilizing financial operations to secure its future in the aerospace industry.