Boeing CEO admits mistake in 737 address

Boeing chief executive officer Dave Calhoun fought back tears as he said the planemaker must own up to its shortcomings as it grapples with a safety incident that has renewed questions over the quality of its manufacturing.

"We're going to approach this - No. 1 - acknowledging our mistake," Calhoun told Boeing employees Tuesday during a companywide meeting at its 737 aircraft factory near Seattle. "We're going to approach it with 100% and complete transparency every step of the way."

The remarks came during an all-hands meeting called by Calhoun to reinforce safety as the company's top priority after a door plug ejected from a 737 Max 9 last week mid-flight, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the plane. He and other senior Boeing leaders addressed employees from its Renton, Washington, factory where the 737 single-aisle is assembled, and webcast their remarks to workers at other locations.


"I've got kids, I've got grandkids and so do you," he said, as he recalled seeing photographs of the plane's damaged fuselage. "This stuff matters. Every detail matters."