Boeing's Starliner program, once endorsed with a $4.2 billion investment, has been the subject of renewed scrutiny after an old post by Elon Musk resurfaced online. In the post, Musk criticized Boeing for having "too many managers, not enough engineers," implying that the company's approach favored bureaucratic processes over technical innovation. This sentiment echoed after a recent Air India crash, drawing parallels between Boeing's delays in the Starliner program and SpaceX's approach.
NASA has postponed the Starliner's crewed flight to 2026 to address safety concerns. This delay adds to the discourse on Boeing's management strategies versus engineering focus. Musk's comparison highlights SpaceX's relatively rapid advancements, suggesting a need for Boeing to perhaps reconsider its managerial focus to enhance its engineering capabilities.
The resurfacing of Musk's criticism comes amidst broader challenges, as Boeing navigates technical hurdles and management scrutiny to ensure the Starliner's safety and success.