Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun apologises to families of those who died in 737 Max plane crashes
- He also acknowledged the planemaker’s shortcomings after a mid-air blowout in January, as he faced questions from US lawmakers
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun on Tuesday apologised to families who lost loved ones in two 737 Max crashes and acknowledged the planemaker’s shortcomings after a January mid-air emergency involving a 737 Max 9 raised alarm about its safety record.
“I asked that question every day, have we done enough?” Calhoun said in response to questions at a hearing before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
It marked the first time Calhoun had faced lawmakers’ questions and put the spotlight on Boeing’s souring safety reputation and the departing CEO who is expected to leave by year’s end following a management shake-up.
Calhoun said Boeing took responsibility for the development of a key software system linked to the 2018 and 2019 fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia which killed a combined 346 people.
“I am here to answer the questions. I am here in the spirit of transparency and I am here to take responsibility,” Calhoun told reporters earlier as he walked into the hearing room.
US Senator Richard Blumenthal, who chairs the subcommittee, told the hearing there is overwhelming evidence that the US Justice Department should pursue prosecution against Boeing.
