The CEO of Boeing on Tuesday (Jan 9) took responsibility for a near-catastrophic mid-air window blowout of an Alaska Airlines flight even as the aviation regulatorof the US ordered the temporary grounding of all Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes operating in the country.
"We're going to approach this (by) number one acknowledging our mistake," said Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, while interacting with employees at a safety meeting which was held after the emergency landing of Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737 Max 9on Friday (Jan 5).
"We're going to approach it with 100 per cent and complete transparency every step of the way," the American aviation giant's CEO said.
Calhoun, who ascended to the top position of Boeing in January 2020, expressed his commitment to work with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) which has been investigating the incident.
The NTSB is "as good as it gets," said Calhoun, as per the remarks released by the company.
"I trust every step they take, and they will get to a conclusion,” he added.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now grounded all 737 Max 9 planes- 171 in total-in the US.
The authorities also ordered Boeing to revise guidelines regardingplane inspections.
In a statement, quoted by the New York Times, the agency said, “Upon receiving the revised version of instructions from Boeing, the FAA will conduct a thorough review. The safety of the flying public, not speed, will determine the timeline for returning the Boeing 737-9 Max to service."
The affected panel of the plane, which is a door plug, is used by the airlines to fill the emergency exit in planes that are not needed.
On Monday night (Jan 8), NTSB investigators suggested that the part was not adequately affixed.
The FAA on Tuesday said that they were still working with Boeing for finalising detailed inspection instructions for grounded planes.
"Boeing offered an initial version of instructions yesterday which they are now revising because of feedback received in response," said the FAA.
"Upon receiving the revised version of instructions from Boeing the FAA will conduct a thorough review,” it added.
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Boeing said that they have been in contact with the customers and the FAA on requirements. "As part of the process, we are making updates based on their feedback and requirements," said a spokesman.
Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines apologised for the inconvenience faced by the passengers in a post on X.
"We understand that travel plans have been impacted, and we are doing everything possible to minimise the disruption," posted Alaska Airlines, while reiterating that it is waiting for more direction from Boeing and the FAA.
"Until then, the fleet will remain grounded," Alaska Airlines added.
(With inputs from agencies)