Boeing Removes Executive Following Midair Blowout: Ongoing Problems with 737 Max Jet
In a shocking turn of events, Boeing has removed Ed Clark, the head of its 737 Max passenger jet program, after a terrifying midair blowout in January. This incident has once again highlighted the ongoing problems with the troubled jet, which has been plagued by issues over the last five years.
The 737 Max, Boeing’s best-selling plane, has faced significant challenges since 2019 when it was grounded for 20 months following two deadly crashes that claimed the lives of 346 individuals. The recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight further added to the aircraft’s troubled reputation. Shortly after takeoff, a door plug on a Boeing 737 Max blew out, resulting in a gaping hole in the side of the plane.
A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that the four bolts responsible for holding the door plug in place were missing when the plane left Boeing’s factory. While the report did not assign blame for the missing bolts or the accident, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun took responsibility for the incident in a statement to investors. “We caused the problem, and we understand that,” he acknowledged during a call after reporting the company’s latest quarterly loss. “Whatever conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened.”
Ed Clark, who had been with Boeing for 18 years, assumed the role of head of the Max program in March 2021, following the jets’ return to service after the crashes. However, he had previously held positions related to the 737 Max, including chief engineer and chief 737 mechanic.
Boeing’s decision to remove Clark also led to a reshuffling of executives within its Boeing Commercial Airplanes unit. The company created a new position, Senior Vice President for BCA Quality, and appointed Elizabeth Lund to fill it. Lund, previously senior vice president and general manager of airplane programs for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, had overseen not only the 737 Max but also other models of passenger jets produced by the company.
Mike Fleming, formerly senior vice president of development and customer service, will assume Lund’s previous role, while Katie Ringgold, former vice president of 737 Max deliveries, will take over Clark’s former position overseeing the Max program.
In addition to the grounding of the 737 Max 8 and Max 9 following the crashes, Boeing’s troubles have also delayed the certification of two new versions of the jet: the Max 7 and the stretched Max 10. The CEOs of United Airlines, Southwest, and Delta Air Lines, three key Boeing customers, have recently expressed doubt about receiving the new versions of the planes they had ordered in the near future. United CEO Scott Kirby referred to the Alaska Airlines incident as the “straw that broke the camel’s back” in terms of his airline’s plans for the Max 10.
Boeing’s ongoing struggles with the 737 Max have not only impacted its reputation for safety and engineering excellence but have also raised concerns about the future of the company. As investigations continue and executives are held accountable, it remains to be seen how Boeing will address these issues and regain the trust of customers and passengers alike.
