Originally Posted by
copperred
Have you read their press releases? They're pretty awful and silence would probably serve them far better. Some admit outright error and that they were aware of the issue.
The MAX and 737-800 are different designs of the aircraft yes, but losing a couple of zeroes attempts to conflate it with the 800 since many systems will do that to the consumer or to a booker. That sort of sleight of hand could taint the 737-800NG aircraft with the MAX.
Agreed that Boeing is handling things terribly. Admitting error and accepting responsibility would be the correct approach, but given the potential depth of their negligence (as it becomes more known), it's understandable they've shifted to legalese. But I still believe it's the wrong approach.
To be clear, 737-8 is
already used as a designation for the 737-MAX 8.
Consumers are already confused, primarily due to the similar naming, but they more or less know now the issue is with the "MAX."
I think Boeing simply dropping "MAX" would be the most obvious approach, leaving both the 737-8 and the 737-800. This doesn't require rebranding per se, but has the same effect over time.