Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg says he has no plans to resign his post despite widespread speculation that his days atop the world's largest aerospace company are numbered due to the ever-deepening 737 Max crisis.
The Boeing chief told House lawmakers on 30 October that he does not intend to step down because he feels responsible to lead the company through the 737 Max troubles.
The issue of Muilenburg's future with Boeing arose while he testified before the House transportation committee, which is investigating the certification and development of the 737 Max.
"Are you going to be stepping down as the CEO of Boeing?" Florida lawmaker Debbie Mucarsel-Powell asked Muilenburg.
"Congresswoman, no," the Boeing chief replied.
The exchange continued with Mucarsel-Powell accusing Muilenburg of not assuming adequate responsibility for flight control issues that investigators say contributed to two 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people.
Muilenburg interjected.
"Congresswoman, if I could respond to that," he said. "I am responsible. I take responsibility for these two accidents that occurred on my watch.
"I don't want to run away from challenges. My intent is to see this through," Muilenburg added. "That's part of what I owe to these families… To me, this is about being responsible and ensuring safe travel for the future."
Mucarsel-Powell shot back.
"Mr Muilenburg, if you had an ounce of credibility, you would recognise that what is the right thing to do is to step down," she said.
Several industry observers have predicted Muilenburg will resign or be forced out due to the 737 Max crisis. In addition to the human tragedy, the crashes have tarnished Boeing's reputation, deflated profits and left the company subject to civil, criminal and congressional investigations.
Muilenburg's testimony before the House committee came one day after he answered similar questions before the Senate's transportation committee.
