After multiple incidents, the successive crashes of two aircraft in 2018 and 2019 and more recently the loss of a door in mid-flight of an Alaska Airlines plane, the boss of Boeing was heard this Tuesday evening by the American Senate .
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Boeing boss Dave Calhoun recognized Tuesday, June 18, the “ gravity » of the situation concerning the quality of the manufacturer’s production, assuring before a commission of inquiry of the American Senate, that progress had already been made.
Sitting behind him in the audience were relatives of victims of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019, who held up photos of their deceased. At the start of his testimony, Dave Calhoun stood up, turned around and apologized: on behalf of all Boeing employees around the world, past and present, for (their) losses. »
“II apologize for the grief we have caused, and I want you to know that we are fully committed, in their memory, to working and focusing on safety for as long as possible. » as necessary. “ Once again, I’m sorry », added the leader, before resuming his place in front of the senators. “ Our culture is far from perfect, but we’re taking steps and making progress “, said Mr. Calhoun. “ We understand the gravity, and we are committed to moving forward with transparency and accountability, while increasing employee investment. »
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“This created a dangerous aircraft”
This is the first time that Dave Calhoun has been publicly questioned by officials since the January 5 incident, when a 737 MAX 9, delivered in October to Alaska Airlines, lost a cap holder in flight. a redundant emergency exit. “ This is a manufacturing defect. This created a dangerous plane “admitted Mr. Calhoun.
But Republican Senator from Missouri Josh Hawley does not intend to be satisfied with these excuses. After recalling the remuneration of the boss of Boeing – 32.8 million dollars, “ up 40% from last year » – the senator asked him: “ But what exactly are you paid to do? If device security is a factor in your compensation, how can you claim this $33 million? »
Dave Calhoun set to leave by end of year
According to the United States Transportation Safety Agency (NTSB), several fastening bolts had not been put back in place after an intervention on the assembly line. For many months, Boeing has been experiencing production and quality problems with its commercial aircraft (737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner and 777).
Read alsoUnited States: air regulator opens investigation into Boeing and its 787 “Dreamliner”
Dave Calhoun, who has already announced his departure by the end of the year, has claimed to have made a lot of progress in this area, with recent revelations from whistleblowers at Boeing accusing management of taking shortcuts. all levels to save money at the expense of security weighed heavily.
The chairman of the commission of inquiry, Democrat Richard Blumenthal, gave his feelings. “ 346 people died because of a faulty control system that Boeing knew would one day cause a crash. In my opinion, individuals should be held responsible. »
The case could also continue criminally in a federal court in Texas.