What steps should Boeing take to address the cash burn it experienced during the third quarter, according to their preliminary financial report?

 To address the cash burn Boeing experienced during the third quarter, as indicated in their preliminary financial report, the company should consider several strategic steps:

1. Cost-Cutting Measures: Boeing should look into reducing operational costs. This could include scaling back non-essential projects, renegotiating supplier contracts, and optimizing workforce management through furloughs, layoffs, or voluntary exit programs, while ensuring critical operations continue.

2. Production Efficiency Improvements: Streamlining production processes and improving supply chain management can help reduce bottlenecks and inefficiencies that may be driving up costs. Addressing delays in aircraft deliveries is crucial to improving cash flow.

3. Reevaluating Capital Expenditures: Boeing could postpone or reassess non-critical capital expenditures (e.g., R&D for future projects) to conserve cash, focusing only on essential investments that are expected to yield returns in the short term.

4. Increasing Aircraft Deliveries: Maximizing the number of aircraft deliveries, especially for models in high demand like the 737 MAX, can help generate revenue. Boeing should aim to resolve supply chain and production issues to increase deliveries.

5. Debt Restructuring: Managing debt obligations by refinancing at lower interest rates or negotiating new terms with creditors could provide short-term liquidity relief.

6. Leveraging Government Support: Boeing could explore avenues for government assistance, such as subsidies, tax breaks, or export financing, especially considering the company’s significance to the national economy.

7. Boosting Aftermarket Services: Increasing focus on aftermarket services (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) could generate additional revenue streams, especially with airlines looking to extend the life of their existing fleets.

8. Selling Non-Core Assets: Liquidating non-essential assets or divesting non-core business units might provide Boeing with quick cash infusions to shore up its balance sheet.

By focusing on these areas, Boeing could alleviate cash burn while preparing for long-term recovery.