San Francisco, February 21 (China News Agency) - According to US media reports, a senior executive in Boeing's commercial aircraft department informed employees on February 21 local time that the 737 MAX project leader will immediately resign, and the company's commercial aircraft department leadership will also undergo a restructuring.
The New York Times reported that Stan Deere, CEO of Boeing's Commercial Aircraft division, stated in a memo to employees that Ed Clark, the project leader for the 737 MAX, would immediately leave the company and be replaced by Katie Lingold, a senior executive responsible for 737 delivery. The Seattle Times quoted a source as saying that Clark's resignation was not voluntary.
In addition, Boeing has also announced personnel changes for multiple executive positions. Deere stated in the memo that changes in leadership will help Boeing "focus more on ensuring that every aircraft we deliver meets or exceeds all quality and safety requirements.".
The 737 MAX aircraft experienced two major air accidents in October 2018 and March 2019, resulting in a total of 346 deaths. Subsequently, multiple countries and regions grounded or banned 737 MAX series aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration lifted the grounding order for this aircraft model in November 2020. In 2021, Clark took over the 737 MAX project.
Recently, Boeing has once again faced pressure from US regulatory agencies, airlines, and congressmen due to aircraft quality control issues. On January 5th, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft returned to Portland International Airport in an emergency due to an embedded emergency door falling off. On January 18, a Boeing 747-8 cargo plane of Atlas Airlines returned to Miami International Airport due to engine failure. On February 19th, a United Airlines Boeing 757-200 aircraft flying from San Francisco to Boston changed course to Denver due to damaged wings.
Since the incident of an embedded emergency door falling, Boeing's stock price has fallen by about 19%. (End)