Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has said that the production defects found on 737 MAX 9 aircraft are Boeing's own fault. "We're going to address this," said Calhoun, fighting back tears. "We acknowledge our mistake".

Calhoun made his comments during a meeting with Boeing employees. All of Boeing's American 737 MAX 9 aircraft are currently grounded. Last week there was an incident where an aircraft of this type had to make an emergency landing in Portland. A door panel had come loose. Loose bolts were also later found in door panels in other 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

Calhoun's speech was streamed live to other Boeing facilities. The CEO stated that he was seriously shocked when he saw the photos of the damaged fuselage of the plane that made the emergency landing. "I have children, I have grandchildren, and so do you," he said. "Every detail is important".

Calhoun assured Boeing employees that the company would "ensure that every subsequent aircraft that takes to the skies is indeed safe".

He added that he knew "how difficult it is to ground aircraft, let alone an entire fleet".

There is a lot at stake for Calhoun and Boeing. The aircraft manufacturer struggled for a long time with supply problems surrounding the MAX aircraft. In 2018 and 2019, a total of 346 people were killed in accidents involving 737 MAX aircraft (of the MAX 8 type). The aircraft type was then grounded worldwide for twenty months and Boeing had to make technical adjustments.

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* Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)