Experts: Joint efforts by government and airlines crucial to safety

As Boeing is struggling to get its planes back in the air, the manufacturer has been hit with multiple subpoenas. The U.S. Justice Department is now investigating Boeing's certification and marketing of 737 Max planes, according to media reports.

Following the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash, Boeing gathered 200 aviation industry leaders, pilots, technicians and regulators to its Seattle factory to witness the company's safety efforts. But this seemed to have done little to restore the public's faith in the manufacturer.

"I think it [Ethiopian Airlines plane crash] is a combination of effect," former American Airlines flight captain Mark Weiss said, indicating that aviation accidents are usually caused by a series of events, not a single reason.

James Brauchle, a former U.S. Air Force navigator, stressed the importance of training. Improper training of pilots, according to him, could also be a major factor that led to the Ethiopian tragedy.

In response to the Boeing crisis, U.S. Secretary for Transportation Elaine Chao said, "We should have absolute confidence in the regulators that they are certifying properly."

While airlines need to submit plane manuals to the federal government for approval, Nawal Taneja indicated that a collaborative effort between government regulators and airlines is crucial and necessary in the investigation of Boeing.

Among the increasing number of countries that chose to ground Boeing 737 crafts, China is doing its independent investigations. "China is taking a leadership position in deciding very quickly and very tactically" on 737 craft despite the huge commercial losses, said Dan McClory, adding that "it is remarkable and quite striking in today's day and age."

"The world is too dependent on Boeing," said McClory. He added that Boeing will eventually sort out the safety issue, but it will endure some short-term pain.

(CGTN)