US senators criticize Boeing CEO for unsafe flights

United States senators criticized Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun for cases of unsafety on company flights. During session of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations this Tuesday (June 18, 2024), was accused by Senator Josh Hawley of receiving a high salary during unstable periods faced by the company.

Boeing has been the target of federal investigations and congressional hearings since an incident on Jan. 5 when an emergency door plug on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 operated by Alaska Airlines came loose mid-flight. Previously, 2 737 MAX 8 planes were involved in accidents fatal cases in Indonesia (2018) and Ethiopia (2019). Together, they caused 346 deaths.

During the session this Tuesday (June 18), Calhoun recognized a manufacturing defect in the incident involving Alaska Airlines and assumed responsibility for the development of a software system linked to the accidents in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

Before entering the hearing, the Boeing CEO told the journalist that he was there to “answer questions transparently and take responsibility”.

Also this Tuesday (June 18), an employee at aircraft manufacturer Sam Mohawk reported disrespect for documentation and responsibility for non-conforming parts in the production of Boeing aircraft.

In a statement, the North American company said it encouraged employees to report concerns and emphasized its commitment to safety, highlighting the increase in inspections since 2019.