Boeing encountered fresh challenges as a whistleblower alerted US regulators to safety issues within the manufacturing process of certain aircraft models.
According to engineer Sam Salehpour, Boeing allegedly opted for shortcuts during the assembly of its 787 and 777 jets.
Salehpour voiced his concerns to company officials and faced backlash, claiming he was “threatened with termination.”
In response to these allegations, Boeing disputed their accuracy, asserting confidence in the safety of their planes.
They stated that rigorous engineering assessments, conducted under the oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), confirmed the aircraft’s safety and longevity.
Following the FAA’s announcement of an investigation into the claims, Boeing’s shares dropped by nearly 2% on Tuesday.
This downturn coincided with the company’s disclosure that it delivered only 83 planes to customers in the first quarter, marking the lowest figure since 2021.
The whistleblower’s complaint, as initially disclosed by the New York Times, adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Boeing’s aircraft safety.
This scrutiny intensified following an incident involving a detached exit door on one of its 737 Max 9 planes in January, prompting regulatory inquiries and production adjustments.
Amidst mounting legal challenges and regulatory probes, Boeing’s CEO, David Calhoun, announced plans to step down by year-end, further reflecting the company’s tumultuous period.
Attorneys representing Salehpour highlighted concerns regarding Boeing’s assembly decisions for the 787 aircraft, potentially compromising structural integrity.
Salehpour’s complaint alleges that these decisions may adversely affect over 1,000 planes.
The attorneys emphasized Salehpour’s professional mistreatment after raising concerns, including threats of termination and exclusion from critical activities within the company.
Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, often deployed for international flights, has been subject to quality complaints since its inception in 2011.
Production slowdowns and delivery halts were implemented to address these issues, with the FAA granting clearance for resumed deliveries in 2022.
In response to inquiries, the FAA reiterated its commitment to thoroughly investigate all reports, emphasizing the importance of industry stakeholders sharing information to ensure aviation safety.
2 People Killed And Two Vehicles Burned In Al Shabaab Attack In Milhoi, Lamu
