Prior to the pandemic and the 737Max debacle, though, Boeing would low-bid fixed-price contracts and eat the losses because their commercial aircraft business would cover it, then make up the difference with continued sales. https://www.defenseone.com/business/2022/04/boeings-low-ball...
The only folks who weren't trying here were senior management, who were unable to do anything that wasn't milking the cost-plus contract cow.