Boeing announced a significant executive shake-up within its 737 program following recent safety concerns. The company confirmed the departure of Ed Clark, who had been a part of Boeing for 18 years. Katie Ringgold will take over as the new vice president and general manager of the 737 program at the Renton, Washington site.
This move is part of Boeing's commitment to enhancing its focus on ensuring that every aircraft delivered meets or exceeds all quality and safety standards. Boeing Commercial Airplanes President Stan Deal emphasized the company's dedication to meeting customer expectations for top-notch safety measures.
In a recent incident in January, an emergency door panel detached from a Boeing 737 Max 9 mid-flight over Oregon. Investigators found that bolts securing the panel to the frame were missing, leading to the detachment. This incident raised concerns about Boeing's safety protocols.
The leadership changes come in the wake of criticism from the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, who expressed concerns that Boeing's focus on meeting high production demands from airlines might be compromising safety standards. The FAA's comments have prompted Boeing to reevaluate its safety practices.
Boeing also announced the appointment of Elizabeth Lund to the newly created role of senior vice president for BCA Quality. Lund will be responsible for overseeing quality control and assurance efforts within the company.
