Dhaka, April 3 -- Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg faced tough questions from lawmakers Tuesday, admitting to "serious missteps in recent years" and pledging to improve safety practices following a series of incidents, including a mid-flight door plug blowout on a 737 Max in January of 2024.

The hearing, before the Senate Commerce Committee, focused on Boeing's efforts to address safety concerns and quality control issues that have plagued the company since the deadly crashes of two 737 Max planes in 2018 and 2019.

"Can travelers trust Boeing?" asked Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, echoing public concerns about the company's safety record.

"737 Max airplanes safely take off and land every two seconds of the day. I'm not denying the horrible incidents ...