Tuesday, as relatives of those who perished in two Boeing 737 Max airplane crashes watched, U.S. senators questioned Boeing’s CEO about the company’s growing safety and manufacturing shortcomings.
Following the 346-person deaths in the 2018 and 2019 crashes, David Calhoun turned to face the families holding pictures of their loved ones and apologized directly. However, he also had to field hard questions regarding Boeing’s purported commitment to safety in the wake of whistleblower complaints and mid-flight emergencies.
He said to the families, “I apologize for the grief that we have caused.”
Boeing’s safety culture “is far from perfect, but we are taking action and making progress,” he said before the committee in prepared remarks. He often reaffirmed his assurance and upbeat outlook when questioned.
Calhoun’s attendance was described as “a reckoning” by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which convened on Tuesday.
He also cited comparable assurances the business made in the wake of the 737 Max 8 tragedies, which he claimed data did not support.
In his introductory remarks, he stated, “In my opinion as a former prosecutor, there is nearly overwhelming evidence that prosecution should be pursued.”
Calhoun was the first senior Boeing representative to testify before Congress since a panel on a 737 Max crashed during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Although the event did not result in any significant injuries, it did raise new questions regarding the company’s best-selling commercial aircraft. Separate investigations are being carried out by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Since then, the committee has been contacted by a number of whistleblowers who have accused the committee of inventing shortcuts that put speed and profitability ahead of safety and oversight issues.
The Senate subcommittee unveiled a 204-page report including fresh accusations from a whistleblower hours before Calhoun was scheduled to speak. The whistleblower is concerned that “nonconforming” parts, or those that might be flawed or lack adequate documentation, are being installed in 737 Max aircraft.
Boeing “continues to prioritize profits, push limits, and disregard its workers,” according to the report’s conclusion, punishing individuals who attempt to voice their concerns.
Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, charged that Calhoun was “strip-mining” a well-known American corporation “for profit shareholder value— and you’re getting rewarded for it.”
The senator questioned, “Why haven’t you resigned?”
Calhoun answered, “I’m proud of every action we have taken, I’m proud of having taken the job, and I’m proud of our safety record.”
“Every action you have taken,” Hawley repeated back. “Wow.” Calhoun acknowledged retaliatory actions have been taken against whistleblowers within the company, but also said those who have done so have faced discipline. In both cases, he would not provide specific numbers or details. “I know it happens,” he said.
