(NewsNation) — Boeing is “no longer a great company,” but it could rebuild its reputation as a respected airplane manufacturer with outside assistance, said Allied Pilots Association spokesperson Dennis Tajer.
Tajer joined “NewsNation Now” ahead of Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun’s testimony before a Senate panel surrounding safety concerns.
Families of some of the 346 people who died in the 2018 and 2019 crashes were present for the testimony, but Tajer said they’ve heard promises from Boeing before.
“It’s kind of like the kid with chocolate on his hands and face saying he’s going to take care of the cookie jar security,” Tajer said. “There’s not a whole lot of faith in this leadership team. There are great people at Boeing, and I’m sure they’re just as frustrated as we are.”
The Senate investigations subcommittee released a report hours before Calhoun was set to appear. It includes allegations from Sam Mohawk, a quality assurance investigator at a 737 assembly plant near Seattle. According to Mohwak, Boeing has used “nonconforming” parts in its 737 Max Jets build. Mohawk says the company hid evidence of the situation after it learned more than a year ago that the Federal Aviation Administration would inspect the plant, the Associated Press reported.
“Frankly, I’ve got to just say it: Boeing, shut up, build a safe, reliable airplane, and we’ll fly it, and people will feel safe being on it,” Tajer said. “But today, that’s just not the case.”
