Originally Posted by
docav8tor
Southwest Airlines wanted another 737 and did not want simulator training. Their contract allowed for $1M rebate if simulator training was required.
The Max was born because AA was making a massive airbus order. Boeing met with AA and offered an airplane that would improve fuel burn and keep the same type as their already sizable 800 fleet. They struck a deal. SWA then ordered a boatload of them with the simulator stipulation mostly because the NG line was being shut down.
And here we are....
The blame here lies squarely with Boeing management. They have been in MBA cost cutting mode since the MD merger. This is what happens when you stop building airplanes and start paying shareholders as your primary business.