Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg issued a letter to airlines, passengers and the aviation community Monday, pointing out that "safety is at the core of who we are" in wake of two crashes involving the manufacturer's 737 MAX aircraft in a span of six months.
"We know lives depend on the work we do, and our teams embrace that responsibility with a deep sense of commitment every day. Our purpose at Boeing is to bring family, friends and loved ones together with our commercial airplanes-safely," said Muilenburg.
The Boeing Chairman and President also said the company plans to release a software update and related pilot training for the 737 MAX addressing concerns uncovered in the aftermath of last October's Lion Air crash
"The tragic losses of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 affect us all, uniting people and nations in shared grief for all those in mourning," he added. "Our hearts are heavy, and we continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board."
The United States has joined a handful of countries around the globe in grounding the troubled aircraft in wake of this month's Ethiopian Airlines crash.
"Based on facts from the Lion Air Flight 610 accident and emerging data as it becomes available from the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accident, we're taking actions to fully ensure the safety of the 737 MAX. We also understand and regret the challenges for our customers and the flying public caused by the fleet's grounding," added Muilenburg.
"Work is progressing thoroughly and rapidly to learn more about the Ethiopian Airlines accident and understand the information from the airplane's cockpit voice and flight data recorders. Our team is on-site with investigators to support the investigation and provide technical expertise. The Ethiopia Accident Investigation Bureau will determine when and how it's appropriate to release additional details."
Last week, TravelPulse founder Mark Murphy appeared on Fox News to break down the travel impact of the fleet's grounding, calling it the "prudent thing to do."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
