U.S. lawmakers are set to question Boeing's CEO about the company's plan to address manufacturing issues, with families of crash victims in attendance. The CEO will appear before the Senate investigations subcommittee, chaired by a Boeing critic. This will be the first time a high-ranking Boeing official has faced Congress since a recent incident involving a 737 Max.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are conducting investigations into the incident. The CEO stated that Boeing is cooperating with the investigations and is committed to enhancing safety and quality.
This hearing comes as the Justice Department considers potential prosecution of Boeing for violating a settlement related to previous crashes. Boeing has taken steps to improve safety, including slowing production and appointing a quality review leader.
Recent issues for Boeing include investigations into falsely documented parts in its supply chain and damage to a Southwest Airlines 737 Max. Additionally, Boeing has not received any new orders for the Max in the past two months.
A whistleblower raised concerns about safety risks on Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and 777 planes, prompting the Senate subcommittee hearing. Boeing refuted the claims, citing extensive testing.
The CEO announced his retirement, and the head of the commercial-airplanes unit resigned. Families of crash victims are advocating for justice and urging the Justice Department to hold Boeing accountable.
The Justice Department found that Boeing breached a settlement agreement and has until July 7 to decide on further action.
