Boeing’s CEO, Dave Calhoun, is set to face tough questions from a Senate investigative panel regarding safety concerns and quality control issues within the company. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, and Calhoun plans to apologize for the high-profile safety incidents that have occurred.
In a report released prior to the hearing, the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations accused Boeing of mismanaging parts and reducing quality inspections in recent years. Calhoun is expected to express regret over a flight incident in January and acknowledge that Boeing’s corporate culture is not perfect.
This hearing marks Calhoun’s first appearance before Congress since the January flight involving a 737 Max 9 plane. Calhoun became CEO in 2019 following two fatal crashes of the 737 Max 8, resulting in a global ban on the plane for 20 months. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who chairs the panel, stated that Calhoun had previously promised to lead Boeing in a positive direction after the previous crashes, but the January incident exposed shortcuts and deficiencies within the company.
The incident in January involved a “door plug” detaching from an Alaska Airlines flight at 16,000 feet near Portland, Oregon. This event revealed the extent of the issues Boeing had been facing. Blumenthal expressed disappointment in Boeing’s broken promises and highlighted the need for significant changes within the company.
Overall, the upcoming hearing will focus on holding Boeing accountable for its safety practices and ensuring that necessary improvements are made to prevent further incidents. Calhoun’s testimony will be crucial in addressing concerns about the company’s culture and commitment to safety.