USDOT head summons Boeing CEO to Washington, DC: Ortberg will testify before senate

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is scheduled to testify before the US Senate Commerce Committee on April 2 regarding the steps the company has taken to address safety and production issues after a mid-air emergency involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 .

Senator Ted Cruz, the chairman of the committee, made the announcement on Friday, emphasizing that the testimony would focus on how Boeing has worked to rectify the safety and quality problems identified in the aftermath of the incident.

In a statement, Senator Cruz stressed the importance of ensuring that Boeing has taken the necessary steps to restore public trust in the company.

"Boeing has been a great American manufacturer and all of us should want to see it thrive. Given Boeing’s past missteps and problems, the flying public deserves to hear what changes are being made to rehabilitate the company’s tarnished reputation," Cruz said.

Transportation Secretary urges Boeing to detail safety measures

United States Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also expressed worries about Boeing's safety and quality problems a day before the hearing was announced.

Duffy stated on X that he has asked the CEO of Boeing to come to Washington, D.C., and provide details on the actions the company is taking to resolve its safety and quality concerns.

Duffy said that he will visit Boeing to personally assess the steps being taken to guarantee that its aircraft adhere to the strictest safety regulations.

Given the recent events regarding the 737 MAX, Duffy has underlined the necessity for the federal government to make sure Boeing is adhering to the relevant safety regulations.

Boeing under scrutiny over production and safety practices after 737 MAX incident

The hearing is set to examine the series of safety failures that have plagued Boeing, particularly since the 737 MAX was grounded worldwide in 2019 after two fatal crashes involving the same model.

Ortberg's presence comes amid growing concern over the company's manufacturing practices and safety procedures, which have come under increased scrutiny after a number of high-profile incidents.

In January 2024, a door panel on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 blew out in midair, causing the aircraft to quickly depressurize.

All 171 passengers and crew members escaped with very minor injuries, and the plane was able to make an emergency landing back in Portland, Oregon.

The Federal Aviation Administration 's investigation into the incident led to the grounding of all affected 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

The National Transportation Safety Board ( NTSB )'s investigation revealed that missing bolts had been a contributing factor to the incident. Boeing has since faced lawsuits from passengers involved in the incident.

Boeing's deliveries surged last month

Boeing has already been under investigation for its safety and manufacturing procedures. The company has been under tremendous pressure to win back the public's faith since the 737 MAX incident.

Last year, a significant production cap was imposed on Boeing, limiting the company to delivering no more than 38 jets per month as a result of ongoing safety and quality concerns.

Despite these challenges, Boeing was able to double its January 2025 deliveries with 45 aircraft, which is its highest monthly total since 2023.

Several carriers in the United States and throughout the world received 737 MAX aircraft last month, including seven for United Airlines, five for Southwest, two for Air China, and three for Air Lease Corporation.