BUZZ-Boeing set to be Dow's worst performer in turbulent year

Boeing's BA.N stock is poised to drop 32% for 2024, the biggest pct decliner on the Dow Jones index .DJI, as the planemaker navigates multiple crises

The year began with a mid-air cabin panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines-operated ALK.N 737 MAX 9 jet carrying 171 passengers, triggering investigations and a temporary grounding

BA's production plunged in subsequent weeks as the U.S. aviation regulator imposed an output cap, which it is yet to lift

In March, Dave Calhoun said he will step down as CEO; Boeing later hired aerospace veteran Kelly Ortberg as its top boss

In July, BA announces $4.7 bln deal to buy money-losing supplier Spirit AeroSystems SPR.N, which made the fuselage for the jet involved in the accident

About 33,000 workers went on strike in September over a contract dispute for nearly two months, halting most jet production and complicating Ortberg's turnaround efforts; BA announces 10% job cuts and says it expects to burn cash again in 2025

BA resumes 737 production earlier this month at a low rate; stock recovers some lost ground

BA underperforms vs S&P 500's over 23% gain YTD and rival Airbus AIR.PA, which is up 11.4% YTD

(Reporting by Rupali Chaudhary in Bengaluru)

((Rupali.Chaudhary@thomsonreuters.com))