What caused BA's Q2 2024 earnings miss?

Boeing's Q2 2024 earnings miss can be attributed to a combination of factors:

1. **Production Challenges and Delivery Delays**: Boeing has been grappling with production challenges and delivery delays, particularly regarding its 737 MAX jetliner. The company's finance chief, Brian West, confirmed that deliveries to China have been delayed due to a Chinese regulatory review of batteries powering the cockpit voice recorder. These delays have impacted Boeing's financial outlook for Q2 2024.
2. **Regulatory Scrutiny and Safety Issues**: Increased scrutiny from regulators, airlines, and lawmakers has led to a slowdown in jet production. This is in response to a January incident where a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines jetliner while in mid-air, prompting heightened safety concerns. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has set a deadline for Boeing to address systemic quality-control issues.
3. **Cash Burn and Negative Free Cash Flow**: Boeing's CFO has announced that the company will burn rather than generate cash in 2024, and deliveries are not expected to increase in the second quarter. This cash burn is due to ongoing production challenges, delivery delays, and the need to address safety and regulatory issues.

In summary, Boeing's Q2 2024 earnings miss is primarily due to production and delivery challenges, regulatory issues, and safety concerns, which have led to a decline in revenue and profitability.