Boeing is addressing design flaws that caused a midair cabin panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 flight in January. Senior vice president Elizabeth Lund stated that design changes are being made to prevent similar incidents and will be implemented within the year. The incident led to a two-week grounding of the MAX 9, a ban on production expansion, and a criminal investigation. Boeing has promised quality improvements and is reviewing manufacturing and inspection processes, safety and quality management systems, and FAA oversight. The NTSB hearings included testimony from Boeing executives and suppliers, discussing issues including fuselage defects and factory culture. Concerns were raised about defects in fuselages and retaliation against whistleblowers. The NTSB also criticized Boeing for violating investigation rules and providing non-public information to the media. Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge and pay a significant fine to resolve the investigation into two 737 MAX fatal crashes. The company is working to rebuild its reputation and ensure the safety and quality of its aircraft production processes.
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