Boeing Chief Defends ‘Delegation’ in Sometimes Testy Hearing

Boeing Co.’s chief executive declined to endorse specific reforms to bolster safety oversight of the aerospace giant during a sometimes angry grilling in his first appearance before Congress since two 737 Max crashes killed 346 people.

Several senators pressed Dennis Muilenburg on possible changes to the so-called delegation program in light of lapses that occurred in the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification of the 737 Max. While Muilenburg said the company would review reforms proposed by Congress, he repeatedly defended the company’s ability to sign off on aircraft designs.

Dennis Muilenburg listens during the hearing in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 29.

Lawmakers are scrutinizing a longstanding FAA practice that deputizes ...