Washington (AFP)

Boeing boss Dennis Muilenburg announced his resignation on Monday after months of harsh criticism of his handling of the 737 MAX crisis, the worst in the history of the American manufacturer.

The duties of 55-year-old Muilenburg had already been cut in October when he lost his title of chairman of the board to David Calhoun, an independent director.

It is precisely the latter who will replace him from January 13, Boeing said in a statement that did not have a single word for the resigning executive.

"The board has decided that a change of management is necessary to restore trust in the company as it strives to re-establish ties with regulators, customers and all other stakeholders", justified Boeing.

"Boeing chief financial officer Greg Smith will serve as interim chief executive during the short transition period," added the group.

Two accidents to its flagship 737 MAX in less than five months plunged Boeing into the most serious crisis in its history.

In an unprecedented decision for a modern aircraft, the entire world fleet of 737 MAX aircraft has been banned from flying since March 13.

The Lion Air accident, which occurred at the end of October 2018, and that of Ethiopian Airlines, on March 10, under similar conditions, killed a total of 346 people. Investigations have implicated MCAS anti-dropout software.

- Malfunctions -

The corrections made have not yet been validated. And while other malfunctions have appeared, no date for recommissioning has yet been advanced.

The various technical and administrative surveys have also highlighted shortcomings, particularly in the 737 MAX certification process and the close links with the regulatory authorities.

Families of victims and passengers have long demanded the departure of Dennis Muilenburg, deploring the way he handled this crisis: the former boss had initially accused the pilots.

But Mr. Muilenburg had decided to hold out against the odds, including repeating, during his public congressional hearing at the end of October that his father "taught him not to flee from difficulties".

He then attempted a change of course, making amends and saying that he would never forget the 346 victims.

"My business and I are responsible and we know we have to improve," he said, insisting that he learned from these tragic mistakes and was willing to "be accountable" without going so far. upon resignation.

Boeing was then still convinced that the American regulator, the FAA, would authorize the MAX to fly before the end of the year.

More than nine months after the flight ban, aviation safety officials said they were going to take their time.

- Production soon stopped -

As a sign that the plane will not return to the sky for several months, the American airlines have announced that they are postponing the return to service of their aircraft, United postponing it until June 2020.

Last week, the group had to resign themselves to stop production of the MAX from January and for an indefinite period, for lack of knowing when deliveries could resume.

"Under the new leadership, Boeing will operate with a renewed commitment to total transparency, including effective and proactive communication with the FAA, other global regulators and its customers," Boeing said on Monday.

The aircraft manufacturer claims that David Calhoun has "extensive industry experience" as well as solid experience as a boss.

David Calhoun, 62, has held executive and non-executive positions in many companies including General Electric.

"I firmly believe in the future of Boeing and the 737 MAX. I am honored to lead this great company and the 150,000 dedicated employees who work hard to create the future of aviation," said the future boss. communicated.

On the Stock Exchange, the announcement was welcomed, the title Boeing progressing by 2.7% around 4:10 PM GMT.

"Mr. Muilenburg's resignation is a positive step forward to put Boeing back on the path to safety and innovation," said Michael Stumo, father of Samya Rose, 24, who died on March 10 Ethiopian accident.

© 2019 AFP