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Boeing announced the departure of the head of the 737 MAX program after a 737 MAX 9 door plug fell off in mid-air, causing the aircraft manufacturer's most important model to face intense scrutiny.
An internal memo sent by Boeing on Wednesday (Feb. 21) was quoted as saying that the departure of Ed Clark, the head of the 737 MAX project, took effect immediately, ending his nearly 18-year service with the company. Katie Ringgold will succeed Karak as vice president and general manager of the 737 program and oversee the 737 MAX plant in Rento, Washington.
"With Ed leaving his post, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to Eid for his many significant contributions to Boeing during his dedicated service to Boeing over nearly 18 years," Stan Deal, director of Boeing Commercial Aviation (BCA), said in a memo. ”
Clark took over the role in March 2021, shortly after the MAX project was put on hold for 20 months due to two air crashes in 2018 and 2019.
On the evening of January 5, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft of Alaska Airlines returned to Portland International Airport due to the fall of the built-in emergency door. While the accident did not cause serious injuries, safety inspectors noted that the accident could have been catastrophic.
Alaska Airlines said Jan. 8 that initial reports from the company's technicians showed some loose parts were visible on some Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft. United Airlines also said on the same day that some loose bolts were found on the aircraft operated by the company.