AP News reported that Boeing CEO David Calhoun defended the company's safety record and responded to sharp criticism from lawmakers in a senate hearing on Tuesday, June 18. 

Before the hearing, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) accused Calhoun of cutting corners and compromising safety for profit, questioning why he had not resigned, given his $32.8 million compensation last year. 

Additionally, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), the subcommittee chairman, described the hearing as a critical moment for Boeing, a company he claimed had lost its way. 

This was Calhoun's first congressional appearance since an incident in January where a panel blew out of a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight, raising new concerns about the aircraft's safety.

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Senate Investigations from Whistleblowers

The Senate investigations subcommittee also released a 204-page report earlier in the day containing allegations from a whistleblower about potentially defective parts in 737 Max jets, previously reported by VCPost. 

Boeing stated it was reviewing the subcommittee report, and the FAA pledged to investigate the allegations thoroughly. The 737 Max, which had previously been grounded following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, remains under scrutiny.

Lawmakers pressed Calhoun on allegations of retaliation against employees who reported safety concerns. He admitted he had not spoken directly with any whistleblowers but agreed that doing so would be beneficial.

Calhoun outlined Boeing's response to the Alaska Airlines incident, including production slowdowns, enhanced safety reporting, and a comprehensive quality review led by a retired Navy admiral. 

Despite defending Boeing's safety culture, he acknowledged it was not perfect.

Recent challenges for Boeing include investigations into falsely documented titanium parts, incorrectly installed fasteners, and substantial damage to a Southwest Airlines 737 Max following a mid-flight control issue.

The Justice Department is considering prosecuting Boeing for alleged violations of a 2021 settlement related to the 737 Max. Families of the crash victims have urged the Department to hold the company and its executives accountable, arguing that Boeing has failed to improve its safety processes since the crashes. Calhoun has only responded by apologizing to the families, expressing remorse for their grief, and committing to prioritizing safety.

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