Half of airline passengers afraid of Boeing 737 MAX after crashes

Even if Boeing convinces pilots and federal regulators that a software fix makes its grounded 737 MAX airliner safe to fly, passengers are likely to balk.

A survey from Barclays Investment Bank shows 44% of fliers in North America and Europe would wait at least a year before traveling on the single-aisle jet once it returns to commercial service after two overseas crashes. Fifty-two percent, meanwhile, would choose another aircraft if given the opportunity, according to reports.