Boeing recently announced the departure of Ed Clark, who had been with the company for 18 years and was the head of its 737 program. This executive shake-up comes in the wake of a door panel incident on a flight over Oregon, raising safety questions about the company.
New Leadership Takes the Helm
Katie Ringgold is set to take over as the new vice president and general manager of the 737 program at Boeing’s Renton, Washington site. The company emphasized that these changes are part of an “enhanced focus on ensuring that every airplane we deliver meets or exceeds all quality and safety requirements.”
In response to recent events, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President Stan Deal highlighted the importance of meeting customer expectations for safety standards. The company is committed to delivering nothing less than top-tier quality for its aircraft.
Safety Concerns and Company Changes
The incident in January, where an emergency door panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 over Oregon, brought safety issues to the forefront. Missing bolts that were essential for securing the panel to the aircraft frame were identified as a contributing factor. This event prompted a call for increased safety measures within Boeing.
The leadership shake-up at Boeing follows criticism from the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, who expressed concerns that the company was not prioritizing safety due to pressure from airlines to ramp up production. As part of its efforts to address these concerns, Boeing has appointed Elizabeth Lund as the new senior vice president for BCA Quality. Lund will oversee quality control and assurance efforts within the company.
Boeing, headquartered in Arlington, Va., is taking steps to enhance its safety protocols and ensure that all aircraft meet stringent quality standards moving forward.