Boeing CEO admits error, says mid-air blowout 'can never happen again'

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators examine the fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Boeing 737-9 MAX, which was jettisoned and forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing, at a property where it was recovered in Portland, Oregon, U.S. January 8, 2024. NTSB/Handout via REUTERS.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged errors by the U.S. planemaker as more than 170 jets remained grounded for a fourth day, telling staff the company would ensure an accident like the mid-air Alaska Airlines panel blowout "can never happen again."

The company's top planemaking official, Stan Deal, also told a somber town hall meeting at its Renton, Washington 737 factory that Boeing acknowledges "the real seriousness of the accident" as it launches checks into its quality controls and processes.