Boeing will not put planes in air unless 100% confident, CEO says
WASHINGTON – Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun affirmed on Wednesday that the aviation giant will only support the operation of its airplanes if it has 100% confidence in their safety. Calhoun’s statement comes as the company grapples with the grounding of its 737 Max 9 jets in the U.S. following an incident involving an Alaska Airlines plane.
We don’t put planes in the air that we don’t have 100% confidence in, Calhoun stated during a press conference in Washington. He further emphasized that Boeing fully comprehends the gravity of the situation and is committed to transparency.
The grounding of most 737 Max 9 jets was initiated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a plug, which replaced an unused exit door, tore off an Alaska Airlines plane on January 5, necessitating an emergency landing. The incident raised concerns about the integrity and safety of the aircraft.
In response to a question about a Seattle Times report highlighting the removal of a component called a door plug by Boeing, Calhoun referred to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for comment. The NTSB has not provided any information regarding this matter.
Calhoun expressed his unwavering belief in Boeing’s airplanes, asserting, We believe in our airplanes. We have confidence in the safety of our airplanes.
The FAA Administrator, Mike Whitaker, acknowledged that the agency is engaged in a process to restore confidence in the integrity of these plug doors. This statement aligns with Boeing’s commitment towards ensuring the safety of its aircraft.
In a separate development, Boeing announced that it will be holding a quality stand down on Thursday at its Seattle-area facility where the 737 Max jets are manufactured. This decision will momentarily pause production and delivery operations for one day.
As part of their efforts to address the grounding issue, Calhoun will meet with U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. Cantwell’s spokesperson confirmed that the meeting was requested by Boeing.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby recently declared the airline’s intention to revise its fleet plan, removing the 737 Max model due to ongoing regulatory and delivery delays. This decision reflects the cautious approach adopted by airlines following the incidents and subsequent grounding.
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci revealed that during inspections, loose bolts were found on numerous Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. The FAA is currently reviewing data from an initial group of 40 aircraft to assess the extent of any potential problems.
The FAA’s Whitaker acknowledged the complexity of predicting a resolution timeline, highlighting the agency’s focus on finding a definitive solution before allowing the aircraft to resume operations. The safety of passengers remains the highest priority for both Boeing and the regulatory authorities involved.
Late on Sunday, the FAA issued an urgent directive for operators of 737-900ER planes, instructing them to conduct immediate inspections of door plugs following reports of issues with bolts during maintenance inspections.
Boeing is committed to addressing the concerns raised by the grounding incident and further reinforcing the safety of their aircraft. The meetings with senators and the positive collaboration between Boeing and regulatory agencies mark significant steps toward restoring public trust in the aviation industry.
