Boeing CEO Grilled Over 737 Max Crashes

Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg faced a barrage of criticism from US lawmakers on Tuesday at a jammed hearing on the company's commitment to safety as by family members of victims of two deadly 737 Max crashes looked on.

In his first appearance before Congress since the 737 Max was grounded in March, Muilenburg apologised for the crashes and acknowledged shortcomings, but broadly defended Boeing's development of the ill-fated aircraft.

Senators from both parties signaled clear dissatisfaction, bordering on rage in some cases.

"Boeing is the company that built the flying fortress that saved Europe," said Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a former National Guard helicopter pilot who lost both legs during the Iraq War.

"You have told this committee and you told me half-truths over and over again," said Duckworth, who represents Illinois, home to Boeing's corporate headquarters. "You have not told us the whole truth and these families are suffering because of it."

Muilenburg stuck to the company's longstanding stance that development of the Max followed time-tested company procedures and defended it against charges that it cut corners on safety and was too cozy with regulator the Federal Aviation Administration.

Asked by a reporter if he would resign, Muilenburg said, "That's not where my focus is. My focus is on the job at hand focused on safety. And we're going to do everything we can to ensure safe flight."