Boeing has fired its chief executive, Dennis Muilenburg, in a bid to restore confidence in the firm after two deadly crashes involving its 737 Max plane, reports BBC.

More than 340 people died in the disasters, prompting accusations that Boeing put profit before safety.

Families of the victims welcomed Mr Muilenberg’s resignation as overdue.

But they said Boeing’s decision to replace him with a long-time board member raised questions about its commitment to change.

Boeing named David Calhoun, who has served on the firm’s board since 2009 and is its current chairman, as chief executive and president.

Boeing has been under intense scrutiny since two 737 Max planes crashed within five months of each other, first in Indonesia and then in Ethiopia.

The 737 Max fleet has been grounded worldwide since March.