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Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday to address growing concerns over the company's safety and quality standards.

Lawmakers pressed Ortberg on Boeing's recent safety failures, including a January 2024 mid-air emergency involving a 737 MAX 9, which exposed serious lapses in quality control.

Senator Maria Cantwell, chair of the committee, stressed the importance of accountability, noting that Boeing's new leadership will have the opportunity to present their plans to Congress on improving safety standards and strengthening the company's safety culture.

Ortberg, who became CEO in August 2024 following the resignation of Dave Calhoun, acknowledged Boeing's past failures, Reuters said.

"Boeing has made serious missteps in recent years – and it is unacceptable," he said in his prepared testimony. "In response, we have made sweeping changes to the people, processes, and overall structure of our company."

During the hearing, Ortberg reassured lawmakers that Boeing is prioritizing safety over production speed. "I'm not pressuring the team to go fast. I'm pressuring the team to do it right," he said. He noted that airlines are frustrated with delays but understand the need for quality assurance.

Boeing Faces Senate Scrutiny After 737 MAX 9 Safety Scandal

The scrutiny comes after a door panel on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 detached mid-flight in January, leading the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose a production cap of 38 planes per month. Boeing is still awaiting FAA approval for two new versions of the MAX.

Senator Ted Cruz criticized Boeing's management, highlighting issues such as inadequate oversight of third-party suppliers and weak internal auditing procedures.

He argued that these shortcomings contributed to a failing safety culture within the company.

Ortberg may also face questions regarding Boeing's delayed Air Force One delivery, the impact of tariffs, and the company's legal battles.

According to the NY Post, Boeing is currently involved in a criminal case over misleading statements made about the 737 MAX before two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people.

In July 2024, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge and was fined $243.6 million for breaching the conditions of a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement.

However, recent reports indicate that the company is attempting to withdraw from the plea deal, leading a US judge to schedule a trial for June 23.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently stated that Boeing has "lost the trust of the American people" and requires strict oversight. Former FAA officials have warned that it could take years to rebuild Boeing's safety culture.

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