Muilenburg steps down as Boeing chief executive | News

Dennis Muilenburg has been ousted as chief executive of Boeing.

In a statement, the American aeronautical giant said current chairman, David Calhoun, would step into the role from January 13th.

Calhoun, who will also become president of the company, will remain a member of the board.

In addition, board member Lawrence Kellner will become non-executive chairman of Boeing, effective immediately.

Boeing chief financial officer, Greg Smith, will serve as interim chief executive during the brief transition period, while Calhoun exits his non-Boeing commitments.

The news follows growing unease at the way in which Muilenburg has sought to recertify the Boeing 737 Max for commercial operation.

The plane remains grounded following two fatal accidents, in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

Boeing has been working to convince the FAA software changes have made it safe to fly.

However, Muilenburg has proved consistently overoptimistic with regard to the process.

Despite promising in March the plane would be back in operation in a matter of weeks, the 737 Max is currently unlikely to return to the skies until 2020.

With a backlog of 400 planes awaiting delivery, Boeing said earlier this month it would suspend production of the 737 Max from January.

“On behalf…