Morning Brew Daily: Boeing Scores $96B Deal with Qatar & ‘Max’ Gets Its ‘HBO’ Back

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Hosts: Neal Freyman and Toby Howell

Introduction

In today's episode of Morning Brew Daily, hosts Neal Freyman and Toby Howell delve into a spectrum of pressing topics—from Boeing's monumental deal with Qatar Airways and the complexities surrounding Air Force One, to the pervasive use of AI in higher education and the strategic rebranding of HBO Max. The discussion is enriched with insightful commentary, notable quotes, and a blend of humor that makes complex subjects accessible and engaging.

Boeing's $96 Billion Deal with Qatar Airways

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Boeing's latest triumph: securing a staggering $96 billion order from Qatar Airways for up to 210 widebody aircraft. This deal marks Boeing's biggest ever and comes at a pivotal time as the company strives to rebound from a tumultuous period characterized by production halts and Senate scrutiny.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Significance: The colossal order not only provides a significant financial boost to Boeing but also solidifies Qatar Airways' position as a major player in the global aviation market.
• Stock Market Impact: "But when you combine the historic order praised by Trump with a new trade, though with China, Boeing stock is suddenly up 50% since April, totally erasing losses from its post Liberation Day lows these past few months," Neal points out, emphasizing the market's positive reaction to the deal. (Timestamp: 04:26)
• Air Force One Saga: President Trump has floated the idea of using a luxury Boeing 747 gifted from Qatar as a temporary Air Force One. However, this proposal faces bipartisan concerns over security risks. "Boeing has lost money every year since 2019. This was once a manufacturing powerhouse, the gold star of United States production, our biggest exporter," Neal remarks, highlighting the company's resilience under new CEO Kelly Ortberg. (Timestamp: 04:26)

Neal and Toby discuss the challenges Boeing faces, including delays in delivering two new Air Force One jets—a project that has already seen significant cost overruns and schedule slips. Toby notes, "It's been emblematic of Boeing's futility over the past few years," reflecting on the broader struggles within the company. (Timestamp: 05:05)

AI in Higher Education: Cheating and Faculty Adoption

Transitioning from aviation to academia, the hosts explore the rampant use of AI tools like ChatGPT in colleges. AI has become a double-edged sword, facilitating both student cheating and aiding professors in their instructional methods.

Key Highlights:

• Student Cheating: "Everyone is cheating their way through College by having ChatGPT or other AI tools do their homework for them," reports a New York magazine piece cited by Neal, emphasizing the widespread reliance on AI for academic dishonesty. (Timestamp: 07:05)
• Professor Adoption: Contrary to expectations, professors are increasingly integrating AI into their teaching. "Professors are wising up to the fact that they could use AI in addition as to students in order to make their lives easier," Neal observes, noting the nearly doubled usage of AI tools among educators from last year. (Timestamp: 09:50)
• Challenges and Implications: The discussion touches on the struggle of academic institutions to formulate effective AI policies and the potential shift in educational focus from subject mastery to AI manipulation skills. Toby adds, "It's gonna teach you how to manipulate AI systems rather than learn the subject matter itself." (Timestamp: 10:30)

The segment underscores a looming crisis in higher education, where both students and faculty grapple with the ethical and practical implications of AI integration.

HBO Max Rebrands Back to HBO Max

In a significant branding move, Warner Bros. Discovery has reinstated the "HBO" label to its streaming service, once again calling it HBO Max. This decision aims to leverage HBO's prestigious content library to appeal to a broader audience, including families.

Key Highlights:

• Branding Strategy: "No consumer today is saying they want more content, but most consumers are saying they want better content," Toby explains, indicating that the rebranding is a strategic move to focus on quality over quantity. (Timestamp: 12:35)
• Consumer Perception: The merger of high-profile shows like Euphoria with family-friendly content such as Animal Planet under the HBO Max banner aims to balance diverse viewer preferences. Neal suggests, "They realized that it didn't make sense to ditch their most iconic brand." (Timestamp: 13:10)
• Corporate Communication: Warner Bros. Discovery adeptly managed the rebranding by preemptively addressing potential backlash through a well-crafted corporate statement and engaging humorously on social media. "They released the ultimate spin zone corporate statement to get ahead of this," Neal comments, highlighting the company's proactive approach. (Timestamp: 13:55)

The hosts commend the company's ability to navigate the delicate balance between leveraging an iconic brand and maintaining a modern, inclusive streaming platform.

Neil's Numbers: Key Statistics from the Week

In the "Neil's Numbers" segment, Neal shares three intriguing statistics that provide deeper insights into current events.

1. Decline in US International Travel Spending

• Statistic: The US is projected to lose $12.5 billion in international travel spending this year, a 22.5% decline from the 2019 peak. (Timestamp: 17:08)
• Impact: This downturn affects 9% of the American economy, employing 20 million people and contributing 7% to tax revenues.
• Contributing Factors: Policies from the Trump administration, such as tariffs and tourist detentions, alongside long-term trends like a strong dollar and the aftermath of COVID-19, have deterred international visitors.
• Host Insights: "Foreign travel spend in the US is set to drop from $181 billion in 2024 to 169 billion this year," Neal states, highlighting the economic repercussions of reduced tourism. (Timestamp: 17:08)

2. Commemorative Trading Cards Surge

• Statistic: Topps sold 133,535 commemorative trading cards of Pope Leo XIV, surpassing sales of sports figures like LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama. (Timestamp: 19:41)
• Significance: This achievement underscores the public's enthusiasm for the first American-born Pope.
• Cultural Impact: The cards feature unique backgrounds such as deep-dish pizza and Chicago skylines, tying the Pope's image to American culture.
• Host Commentary: Toby muses, "Which one of those is going to be, you know, in 100 years the most valuable card," reflecting on the collectible's potential legacy. (Timestamp: 20:30)

3. Xenon-Aided Everest Climb Attempt

• Statistic: A group of four British ex-military personnel aims to summit Mount Everest in one week using xenon gas, a process that typically takes six to eight weeks. (Timestamp: 21:11)
• Innovation vs. Tradition: While some hail the attempt as a breakthrough in climbing technology, others criticize it for compromising the sport's purity.
• Safety Concerns: The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation warns against the unproven benefits and potential dangers of xenon use at high altitudes.
• Economic Aspect: Each climber is investing over $150,000 for this expedited ascent. (Timestamp: 23:49)

Neal and Toby discuss the controversial nature of this attempt, weighing the potential safety benefits against the ethical implications in the mountaineering community.

Final Headlines

Starbucks Baristas Protest New Dress Code

More than 1,000 Starbucks baristas across 75 US stores have walked out in response to a new dress code mandate. The policy requires employees to wear solid black tops and khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms, aiming to create a uniform appearance. However, employees argue that the focus on attire overlooks more pressing service issues, such as long wait times for orders.

• Host Insights: "Starbucks used to have a much stricter dress code back in 2016... now, you start getting into the nitty gritty of what this dress code actually means," Toby remarks, highlighting the disconnect between corporate policies and employee sentiments. (Timestamp: 24:47)

NFL Announces Record Number of International Games

The NFL has unveiled its schedule with seven international games, signaling its ambition for global expansion. Matches will take place in locations including Sao Paulo, England, Ireland, Germany, and Spain.

• Host Commentary: Neal expresses curiosity about the NFL's strategic moves, "It's May 15, but the first thing you want to look at is these standalone games because it shows which teams the NFL thinks that will draw the most eyeballs." (Timestamp: 26:29)

Conclusion

Neal and Toby wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with the show and stay informed about the latest business and economic news. The blend of in-depth analysis, relatable anecdotes, and timely topics makes this episode of Morning Brew Daily both informative and entertaining.

Notable Quotes

• Neal Freyman (04:26): "Boeing stock is suddenly up 50% since April, totally erasing losses from its post Liberation Day lows these past few months."

• Toby Howell (05:05): "It's been emblematic of Boeing's futility over the past few years."

• Neal Freyman (07:05): "Everyone is cheating their way through College by having ChatGPT or other AI tools do their homework for them."

• Toby Howell (12:35): "No consumer today is saying they want more content, but most consumers are saying they want better content."

• Neal Freyman (17:08): "$12.5 billion, which is how much the US is projected to lose in international travel spending this year."

This detailed summary captures the essence of the Morning Brew Daily episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes to provide a comprehensive overview for listeners.