Boeing vows change after reports of missing safety features

Though the company has avoided answering reporters’ questions, two executives highlighted new efforts to update the system on new 737 Max models. PR pros weigh in on the response.

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Boeing is facing additional scrutiny following reports that recent plane crashes were tied to missing safety equipment.

On Thursday, The New York Times reported that two safety features meant to alert pilots to potentially incorrect readings were not included on either aircraft, because Boeing charged extra for them.

Boeing has been in hot water over the development of the 737 Max, a replacement for its popular 737 airplane. The model represents the greater part of Boeing’s new aircraft orders, but new autopilot software has led safety advocates to question whether the planes are safe. After two crashes in five months, governments around the world grounded the aircraft.

Boeing and U.S. government regulators were slow to respond to the crisis, and Boeing has defended the integrity of the aircraft in statements to the public. However, the latest reports threaten to undermine the aircraft manufacturer’s message.

The New York Times reported:

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