Boeing CEO Acknowledges Mistake in Alaska Incident, Vows Unprecedented Transparency

In a candid admission, Boeing Chief Executive Dave Calhoun has publicly accepted responsibility for the recent tragedy involving the 737 Max 9 plane in Alaska, labeling it as Boeing's "mistake." Calhoun emphasized the company's commitment to addressing the issue with absolute transparency and ensuring that such an accident "can never happen again."

Speaking at a safety meeting with employees, Calhoun expressed his deep concern, stating that he was "shaken to the bone" by the incident. This marks Boeing's first public acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation.

Stan Deal, Boeing's top planemaking official, echoed the sentiment at a town hall meeting in Renton, Washington, emphasizing Boeing's recognition of the "real seriousness of the accident." Subsequent inspections were initiated in response to the incident.

United Airlines, after inspections, revealed that loose bolts were discovered on door plugs of multiple Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. The inspections were prompted after a panel blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight, leading to the grounding of dozens of 737 Max 9s by the Federal Aviation Administration on January 6. United Airlines assured that corrective actions would be taken to address installation issues in the door plug, including tightening bolts to ensure the safe return of the aircraft to service.

Boeing had previously urged airlines to conduct inspections of the Max 9s in their fleets. In a statement, Boeing expressed regret over the impact on customers and passengers, reiterating its commitment to meeting design specifications and the highest safety standards.

The recent incident, while causing no serious injuries, resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, with a panel producing a force so strong that headrests and seat backs were torn from the cabin. The cockpit door was violently thrown open, according to initial findings of a federal safety investigation. Fortunately, no passengers were seated in the affected area during the incident.