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Boeing says "continues to support" investigation of Ethiopian Airlines crash

WASHINGTON, March 18 (KUNA) -- Boeing affirmed late Sunday that it continues to "support" the investigation of the Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crash and that it is "working with the authorities to evaluate new information as it becomes available." Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said in a statement "as part of our standard practice following any accident, we examine our aircraft design and operation, and when appropriate, institute product updates to further improve safety.
"While investigators continue to work to establish definitive conclusions, Boeing is finalizing its development of a previously-announced software update and pilot training revision that will address the MCAS flight control law's behavior in response to erroneous sensor inputs," he noted.
He added, "we also continue to provide technical assistance at the request of and under the direction of the National Transportation Safety Board, the US Accredited Representative working with Ethiopian investigators." He stressed, "in accordance with international protocol, all inquiries about the ongoing accident investigation must be directed to the investigating authorities." Muilenburg reiterated, "safety is our highest priority as we design, build and support our airplanes." Earlier on Sunday, Ethiopia's Transport Minister Dagmawit Moges said that there were "similarities" found between Ethiopian Airlines and the Lion Air crashes.
Last Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that it was ordering the "temporary grounding" of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated "by US airlines or in US territory". (end) si.hb