Joe Biden jokes about Boeing mishaps, 'I don't sit by the door' on Air Force One
President Joe Biden joked about being away from the plane doors manufactured by Boeing, a company recently plagued by mid-flight mishaps, the New York Post reported.
«I don't sit by the door,» quipped the 81-year-old president, followed by a quick disclaimer, «I'm only kidding. I shouldn't joke about that.» His remarks came during a high-dollar campaign fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall.
The quip came in response to a question from CBS «Late Show» host Steven Colbert about whether Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg had tightened the bolts on the presidential plane before Biden's trip to New York City.
Boeing is one of two highly customised Boeing 747-200Bs. However, Boeing has faced scrutiny following a series of mid-flight incidents. The troubles began with a door blowout on a Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines on January 5th, leading to the grounding of all 737 Max 9s by the Federal Aviation Administration. Investigations revealed missing bolts from the rear door of the Alaska Airlines jet, adding to concerns about Boeing's safety protocols.
Shortly after, a Boeing aircraft had to make an emergency landing in Japan due to a crack in the cockpit window, further denting the company's reputation, according to the New York Post.
In another incident, a Delta Airlines-operated Boeing 757 lost its front tire as it was preparing to depart Atlanta International Airport for Bogota, Colombia. These incidents raised alarm bells about the
