Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, testified before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee regarding the company’s dedication to addressing safety issues following a mid-air emergency involving a new 737 MAX in January 2024, during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 2025.
Ken Cedeno | Reuters
WASHINGTON — During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed satisfaction with the company’s progress in enhancing manufacturing and safety protocols after experiencing several incidents, including a near disaster last year.
Ortberg addressed inquiries from the Senate Commerce Committee regarding the measures Boeing will implement to prevent a recurrence of previous accidents or manufacturing flaws during his initial hearing since assuming the role of CEO last August, where he was entrusted with revitalizing the company.
Committee Chairman Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, expressed his support for Boeing’s success and encouraged company leaders and factory employees to share their views on the turnaround strategy, stating, “Consider my door open.”
Ortberg acknowledged that further improvements are necessary.
“Boeing has encountered serious errors in recent years, which is unacceptable. Consequently, we’ve instituted comprehensive changes in our personnel, processes, and overall organizational structure,” Ortberg stated in his testimony. “Although challenges remain, these significant transformations reflect our collective commitment to the safety of our products and services.”
For years, Boeing executives have been working to overcome the lasting effects of two fatal incidents involving its most popular Max aircraft.
Ortberg noted that Boeing is currently negotiating with the Justice Department for a new plea agreement related to a federal fraud charge concerning the development of the 737 Max. The previous agreement, established in July, was denied by a federal judge, who set a trial date for June 23 if a new arrangement isn’t reached.
Boeing had initially consented to plead guilty to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government, pay up to $487.2 million, and appoint a corporate monitor for three years.
“We are currently working with the DOJ to formulate an alternative agreement,” Ortberg said during the hearing. “I want this resolved as quickly as everyone else. We’re still in discussions and hope to establish a new agreement soon.”
When asked by Sen. Maria Cantwell, the committee’s ranking Democrat, if he had any issues with the presence of a corporate monitor, Ortberg responded, “Personally, I have no problem with that.”
Ortberg and other Boeing executives recently detailed advances made on the production lines, highlighting reduced defects and addressing risks from tasks performed out of sequence. This follows achievements such as securing a contract valued at over $20 billion to manufacture the next-generation fighter jet for the United States.
Despite progress, lawmakers and regulators maintain a watchful eye on the company, which is one of the United States’ leading exporters.
“Boeing has been a respected American manufacturer, and we should all strive for its success,” Sen. Ted Cruz remarked in February when announcing the hearing. “In light of Boeing’s previous mistakes and challenges, the public deserves transparency about the changes being implemented to restore the company’s reputation.”
Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration limited Boeing’s 737 Max production to 38 units per month following a door plug incident in January 2024. This restriction will remain in effect, although Boeing is currently operating below that threshold.
During the Senate hearing, Ortberg stated that the company aims to increase its production rate to 38 Max planes per month or potentially even higher later this year, provided the production line demonstrates stability.
Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau mentioned at a recent Senate hearing that the agency’s oversight extends to continual monitoring of Boeing’s manufacturing practices, maintenance protocols, and software updates.
Correction: Chris Rocheleau is the acting FAA administrator. An earlier version incorrectly stated his title.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg recently testified before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee amid rising safety concerns, particularly following a mid-air incident in January 2024 involving a 737 MAX aircraft. This was Ortberg’s first appearance before the Senate since he took over as CEO in August 2024, and he acknowledged the company’s past mistakes while expressing confidence in the changes Boeing is making to improve safety and manufacturing practices.
During the hearing, Ortberg emphasized that Boeing has learned from previous accidents and is committed to transforming its operational culture. He stated, “Boeing has made serious missteps in recent years — and it is unacceptable,” reiterating the company’s dedication to safety. He outlined ongoing efforts to enhance processes and organizational structures within Boeing, underscoring that while significant progress has been made, more work lies ahead to ensure the company’s accountability and reliability.
One significant issue raised during the hearing concerns Boeing’s ongoing discussions with the Justice Department regarding a revised plea agreement related to federal fraud charges from the 737 MAX’s development. Previously, the company had reached a plea deal last July, which was rejected by a federal judge. The new agreement will potentially involve Boeing pleading guilty again to conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and pay a hefty penalty, in addition to accepting oversight measures like appointing a corporate monitor. Ortberg expressed hope that they would finalize an agreement soon.
Senators questioned Ortberg on various fronts, including Boeing’s production targets and safety measures. While he acknowledged that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had capped the production of 737 MAX planes to 38 per month due to safety concerns, Ortberg indicated that the company was prepared to ramp production back up, provided that the production line stabilizes.
Sen. Ted Cruz, the committee’s chairman, welcomed the testimony as part of ongoing efforts to ensure Boeing’s rehabilitation and regain public trust following previous failures. Senators expressed the need for transparency and thorough oversight, emphasizing the public’s right to understand how the company intends to rectify its tarnished reputation.
Overall, the hearing was not just about Boeing’s current status but also reflected a broader commitment by both the company and regulators to enhance safety and maximize oversight. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau noted that the agency would continue monitoring Boeing’s manufacturing practices, software updates, and maintenance procedures to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement.
Despite the turbulent past, Ortberg’s testimony suggested a newfound commitment within Boeing to embrace change and prioritize safety, signaling a proactive approach to learning from past errors. Senators signaled continued scrutiny and support for Boeing, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.
As Boeing moves forward, the emphasis will be on careful production, rigorous oversight, and a corporate culture that prioritizes safety and accountability. The outcome of negotiations with the Justice Department is likely to be pivotal for Boeing’s road to recovery and renewed standing in the aviation sector. As Ortberg himself noted, while substantial changes have been made, much work is still required to stabilize the company and boost its reputation in the eyes of the flying public and regulators alike.
