The head of Boeing’s embattled 737 Max program is set to depart the company, following ongoing pressures since a part of one of its aircraft detached during a passenger flight in January. Ed Clark’s departure, after nearly 18 years, is part of a broader reorganization within Boeing’s commercial airplane division, which the company announced on Wednesday.
Boeing stated that the changes are intended to enhance its quality and safety practices as it prepares to engage with regulators. This move comes as the company continues to face scrutiny following the incident on an Alaska Airlines flight, which led to an emergency landing, though without causing serious injuries.
The incident reignited concerns about the manufacturing processes for Boeing’s popular 737 Max planes, years after crashes involving a different version of the jets in 2018 and 2019 resulted in the loss of 346 lives and a 20-month global grounding. Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration barred Boeing from increasing its 737 Max output while it reviewed the production line for these planes. Additionally, various production issues have surfaced as Boeing expanded its manufacturing efforts following the grounding.
A preliminary investigation into the 737 Max 9 jet operated by Alaska Airlines revealed that bolts intended to secure the door panel were missing, having been removed within Boeing’s Renton, Washington factory.
Ed Clark, who served as vice president and general manager of the 737 program overseeing the Renton factory, is stepping down. Safety advocates had called for new leadership at the company, and he will be succeeded by Katie Ringgold, the current vice president of 737 delivery operations. Boeing also disclosed the creation of a new senior vice president position for quality.
In a message to staff, Stan Deal, the head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized that the changes are aimed at ensuring that every airplane the company delivers not only meets but exceeds all quality and safety requirements, meeting the demands of their customers. He expressed appreciation for Clark’s significant contributions to Boeing during his dedicated years of service.
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