Boeing's Calhoun addresses Senate inquiry

BTN News
Wednesday, 19 June 2024

US plane maker Boeing's chief executive Dave Calhoun on Tuesday admitted the company's failings and told lawmakers: "Our culture is far from perfect, but we are taking action and making progress. We understand the gravity."


Boeing has been in the spotlight since a 'door plug' fell off a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet as it climbed through 16,000 feet, leaving a gaping hole in its side.

No one died in that incident, but Boeing whistleblowers have told the Senate that the B737 MAX, B787 and B777 models all have had production issues.

Ahead of this week's hearing, the Senate produced a report and documents that it said painted "a troubling picture of a company that prioritises speed of manufacturing and cutting costs over ensuring the quality and safety of aircraft".

In a statement aimed at the families of 346 victims of two MAX crashes, Calhoun said: “We are deeply sorry for your losses. Nothing is more important than the safety of the people who step on board our airplanes."

In October 2018 and then in March 2019, the two MAX crashes led to a temporary grounding of all 737 MAX planes.

Both crashes were linked to faulty flight control systems.

Calhoun also said in prepared remarks that Boeing was "thankful" there were no fatalities during the recent Alaska Airlines incident.

"I come from this industry, and I know full well that ... we simply must get it right, every time," he said.

Boeing's Calhoun addresses Senate inquiry

BTN News
Wednesday, 19 June 2024

US plane maker Boeing's chief executive Dave Calhoun on Tuesday admitted the company's failings and told lawmakers: "Our culture is far from perfect, but we are taking action and making progress. We understand the gravity."


Boeing has been in the spotlight since a 'door plug' fell off a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet as it climbed through 16,000 feet, leaving a gaping hole in its side.

No one died in that incident, but Boeing whistleblowers have told the Senate that the B737 MAX, B787 and B777 models all have had production issues.

Ahead of this week's hearing, the Senate produced a report and documents that it said painted "a troubling picture of a company that prioritises speed of manufacturing and cutting costs over ensuring the quality and safety of aircraft".

In a statement aimed at the families of 346 victims of two MAX crashes, Calhoun said: “We are deeply sorry for your losses. Nothing is more important than the safety of the people who step on board our airplanes."

In October 2018 and then in March 2019, the two MAX crashes led to a temporary grounding of all 737 MAX planes.

Both crashes were linked to faulty flight control systems.

Calhoun also said in prepared remarks that Boeing was "thankful" there were no fatalities during the recent Alaska Airlines incident.

"I come from this industry, and I know full well that ... we simply must get it right, every time," he said.