Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun faces Senate panel amid renewed scrutiny

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun faced tough questions from a Senate panel on Tuesday regarding the company’s culture and recent safety concerns. In his first appearance before lawmakers since a mid-flight accident earlier this year, Calhoun admitted that Boeing’s culture is “far from perfect” but is improving.

The scrutiny on Boeing has intensified following the Alaska Airlines accident and multiple misconduct allegations from current and former employees. The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations published new allegations from a current employee just hours before Calhoun’s appearance.

The allegations include claims of a “systemic disregard” for faulty parts at Boeing’s manufacturing facility, with hundreds of nonconforming parts allegedly being lost and potentially installed on new aircraft. The employee also alleged that the company began intentionally hiding improperly stored parts from the FAA.

Calhoun addressed the families of the 346 people who died in two previous 737 MAX 8 crashes and apologized on behalf of the company. Senators accused him of prioritizing profits over changing the company’s culture.

The company has been under increased scrutiny from federal regulators, with the FAA opening investigations into potential lapses in quality control and the use of falsified documents regarding titanium in Boeing and Airbus jets.

Boeing recently submitted a plan to federal regulators outlining how it will address safety problems in its production processes. The FAA has stated that Boeing will not be able to increase production of 737 MAX jets until it follows through with the plan.

Calhoun announced in March that he will step down as CEO at the end of the year, making this potentially his last appearance before lawmakers. The future of Boeing’s leadership and efforts to improve its culture and safety practices remain key concerns for investors and regulators alike.