Aviation giant Boeing has made a significant appointment in line with its goal of strengthening its safety culture. The company has announced that Don Ruhmann will take on the role of Chief Aviation Safety Officer. Ruhmann is a seasoned professional who has played key roles in Boeing’s iconic 777 and 787 programmes.
A New Era for Safety at Boeing
Under the framework of its Global Aviation Safety Programme, established in 2021, Boeing has immediately enacted Ruhmann’s appointment. This position encompasses areas such as Product and Service Safety, Aviation Safety Analytics, and the Global Aviation Safety Management System.
Ruhmann replaces Mike Delaney, who retired following nearly 40 years at Boeing, and will report directly to CEO Kelly Ortberg. Commenting on the appointment, Ortberg stated:
“In recent years, we have taken significant steps to implement our Safety Management System (SMS), strengthen our safety culture, and improve our operations. Don’s extensive experience in aircraft design, certification processes, and global regulatory relations makes him an ideal fit for this critical role.”
Who is Don Ruhmann?
Holding a master’s degree in Applied Physics from the University of Washington, Ruhmann studied Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University. He also completed executive education at Columbia University and holds a private pilot’s licence.
Since joining Boeing in 1989, Ruhmann has held key positions, including Vice President and Chief Project Engineer of the 787 programme, as well as Engineering Director for the 777 and 777X programmes. He has also served as Vice President of Commercial Aviation Services for the Middle East, Russia, Central Asia, and Africa.
Restoring Trust
Boeing has faced significant trust issues, particularly following the 737 MAX crashes, with its production processes and safety culture coming under heavy criticism. Most recently, an Alaska Airlines mid-air door blowout incident has once again raised concerns over Boeing’s safety measures.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has stated that sanctions against Boeing will continue due to production shortcomings. He has held discussions with CEO Ortberg and FAA officials, remarking:
“The American public needs to regain confidence in Boeing. You are making progress, but stringent oversight remains necessary.”
