RENTON, Washington State – Boeing’s president and CEO, Dave Calhoun, admitted that a “mistake” had been made, and he vowed that an incident like the recent mid-air blowout of an Alaska Airlines panel “can never happen again.” Calhoun addressed employees at a town hall staff meeting, affirming the company’s commitment to transparency and cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the emergency landing.
The mishap occurred when the fuselage of a nearly full 737 MAX 9 snapped off, resulting in a large hole in the aircraft. Calhoun stated that Boeing would work closely with investigators and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that such an incident is prevented in the future. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the importance of the company’s work in ensuring the safety of passengers.
The incident led to the grounding of the entire fleet of 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 planes as ordered by the FAA. The missing door panel, which detached during flight, was later discovered in the backyard of a Portland home. The NTSB’s preliminary examination revealed signs of fractured guides and missing bolts on the panel. However, the investigation will continue to determine if the accident caused the fasteners to be lost.
Calhoun expressed gratitude for the pilots and crew of Alaska Air, recognizing their swift actions in safely landing the aircraft amidst the alarming circumstances. He acknowledged the challenge faced by the airline in grounding all the affected planes, lauding their proactive approach in preventing potential accidents.
Addressing the trust issues that have arisen as a result of the incident, Calhoun acknowledged the need for Boeing to rebuild trust with its airline customers. He emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and collaboration in working with airlines to ensure the safety of every Boeing aircraft.
In conclusion, Boeing’s CEO has admitted to a mistake and is fully committed to preventing future incidents like the recent panel blowout. The company is working closely with the NTSB and the FAA to investigate the cause of the accident and implement necessary measures to guarantee passenger safety. Boeing also acknowledges the importance of trust and transparency in rebuilding its relationship with airline customers.