Boeing fires the head of the 737 Max program after safety problems

Boeing ousted Ed Clark, the executive overseeing its 737 Max passenger jet program, following a harrowing midair blowout in January that exposed persistent issues with the aircraft.

Despite being Boeing’s top-selling plane, the 737 Max has faced numerous challenges in the past five years. It was grounded for 20 months between 2019 and 2020 after two crashes claimed 346 lives. More recently, an Alaska Airlines-operated Boeing 737 Max experienced a door plug blowout shortly after takeoff, resulting in a significant breach in the aircraft's side.

According to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the door plug lacked the four bolts necessary to secure it when the plane left Boeing’s factory.

While the NTSB report refrained from assigning blame for the missing bolts and the subsequent incident, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged responsibility in a statement to investors prior to the report's release.

Clark, who had been with Boeing for 18 years, assumed leadership of the Max program in March 2021, following the aircraft's return to service after the crashes. He had previously served in various capacities related to the 737 Max, including as chief engineer and chief 737 mechanic.