Boeing, the result of merger of all US companies that made large jetliners, has become primarily a political machine and only secondarily a builder of machines. "A company once run by engineers is now in the thrall of financiers and its stock remains high even as its planes fall from the sky."

The benefit of a free market comes from competition. When Reagan gutted the laws meant to maintain lots of competition, this benefit started to evaporate, not just in making jetliners but all across the economy.