Boeing has made significant changes to its executive team after a recent midair blowout incident further highlighted ongoing issues with the 737 Max program. Ed Clark, who had been leading the program, was removed from his position following a door plug blowout on a Boeing 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines. The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report revealed that four bolts crucial to holding the door plug were missing from the aircraft when it left Boeing's factory.

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun openly took responsibility for the incident, acknowledging that the company caused the problem. Following Clark's departure, Elizabeth Lund was appointed as the new Senior Vice President for BCA Quality. This executive reshuffling also saw Mike Fleming assuming a new role and Katie Ringgold taking over Clark's previous position overseeing the 737 Max program.

In addition to the ongoing troubles with the 737 Max program, Boeing has faced delays in certifying two new versions of the jet, the Max 7 and Max 10. The CEOs of major Boeing customers, including United Airlines, Southwest, and Delta Air Lines, have expressed doubts about receiving these new versions of the planes they had ordered amid the safety concerns surrounding the 737 Max.

The changes in Boeing's leadership come as the company continues to address safety issues and work towards regaining trust in its aircraft following previous incidents that led to a 20-month grounding and tragic crashes resulting in the loss of 346 lives.