Boeing’s Image Makeover; From Opaque To Tearfully Accountable

Breaking out of corporate character, Boeing’s CEO uncharacteristically accepted Boeing’s responsibility for Alaska Airlines’ door plug blowing out in mid-air, at one point misting up, while discussing the event with Boeing employees at what must’ve been a very awkward town hall meeting.

This is in sharp contrast to the company’s past stubborn denial of the two 737 MAX crashes around 5 years ago, when they were initially quick to deflect blame to the pilots. Once cornered with the truth, the company then tried throwing a sacrificial lower-level employee under the bus to shift any blame from its senior management. The employee was exonerated, likely with lasting career damage, while leaving Boeing with yet another black eye in its quest to deny leadership culpability.