Amid mounting scrutiny following a string of safety incidents and manufacturing challenges, Boeing announced on Monday that CEO Dave Calhoun would be stepping down from his role.
Aviation giant, Boeing has faced significant issues, including a harrowing incident in January when a fuselage panel detached from a Boeing 737 MAX 9 Alaska Airlines jet during flight, prompting an emergency landing. While there were no serious injuries, the incident drew intense attention to Boeing’s safety protocols.
In a letter addressed to staff, Calhoun acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasising the company’s commitment to prioritising safety and quality. He expressed confidence that Boeing would emerge from this period as a stronger organisation.
Following the Alaska Airlines incident, US regulators gave Boeing a 90-day deadline to develop a plan addressing quality control concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration stressed the need for substantial and tangible improvements from the company.
In addition to the Alaska incident, Boeing has faced scrutiny over other safety-related events, such as an engine fire on a Boeing 747 in January and an emergency landing of a Boeing 777 after a wheel detached shortly after takeoff from San Francisco.
More recently, an investigation was launched by New Zealand authorities after a Boeing 787 Dreamliner experienced a sudden loss of altitude during a flight from Sydney to Auckland, resulting in injuries to passengers.
Calhoun, who will step down at the end of the year, acknowledged the Alaska Airlines incident as a key moment for Boeing, emphasising the necessity for humility and transparency in addressing the challenges faced by the company.