Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun faced criticism from US senators over the company's culture when he apologized to family members of plane crash victims who shouted at him during the hearing.
Mr. Calhoun testified to Congress on Tuesday that the company was “learning” from past mistakes and that the process for employee whistleblowers is “working” — but lawmakers still accused him of not doing enough to end a culture of retaliation to put right.
The US company was last thrust into the spotlight when a door panel fell off a new 737 Max plane during an Alaska Airlines flight in January, leaving a gaping hole.
As part of an ongoing investigation, Boeing whistleblowers told the Senate in April that the 737 Max, 787 Dreamliner and 777 models had serious production problems.
Mr. Calhoun, who became CEO in 2020 and plans to leave later this year, told the Senate subcommittee that some problems stem from an “untrained workforce.”
He blamed the layoffs and staff turnover that plagued the sector post-Covid, saying they were contributing to production problems at the company.
“So much of this has to do with untrained staff. That's what it's all about, honestly,” he said.
The company faced intense criticism five years ago after two 737 Max planes were lost in separate but nearly identical accidents, killing 346 people.
Several family members of victims who died in those crashes attended the hearing, holding up photos of loved ones. They spoke outside at a press conference beforehand.
“I flew from England to Washington DC to hear in person what the CEO of Boeing has to say to the Senate and the world about any safety improvements that have been made at that company,” said Zipporah Kuria, whose father was killed in the plane crash in 2019. Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet airliner.
“I also continue to pressure the US government to hold Boeing and its executives criminally responsible for the deaths of 346 people. We will not rest until we see justice.”
Clariss Moore, whose daughter died in a Boeing crash in Ethiopia in 2019, confronted Mr Calhoun and asked him about “my daughter's last breath on the plane” during the hearing.
'Did she call for me? Did someone hold her hands?' she asked.
Commission Chairman Richard Blumenthal opened the tense hearing by thanking family members “for their strength and courage to be with us.”
He also demanded to know what Boeing was doing “to end this broken safety culture.”
“I assure you I listened to the whistleblowers,” Calhoun responded.
He added that he had not spoken to whistleblowers and acknowledged that the company had retaliated against several whistleblowers.
“I know it happens,” he said, adding that he does not know how many employees have been fired or disciplined for speaking out about safety issues.
During the hearing, Mr. Calhoun stood and turned to apologize to the families for their losses.
“They are heartbreaking,” he said, his voice seeming to break with emotion, “and I apologize for the grief we have caused.”
Boeing chief engineer Howard McKenzie testified that there was “absolutely” a safety culture within Boeing's engineering team.
After the hearing ended, Senator Blumenthal told BBC News that he was not satisfied with the CEO's responses and that his investigation would continue.
“I have many more questions that need to be answered and we will continue our investigation,” he said.
In May, the US Department of Justice informed Boeing that it had launched a criminal investigation into its practices.
Several family members said Tuesday they hoped criminal charges would be filed against the company.
