Whistleblower Claims Boeing Took Shortcuts in Manufacturing

Federal authorities have initiated an investigation into Boeing, following allegations made by a whistleblower regarding shortcuts taken in the manufacturing process of the company’s widebody jet models, specifically the 777 and 787 Dreamliner. The whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, who is an engineer at Boeing, exhaustively notified authorities, expressing concerns that these manufacturing practices could lead to significant risks as the airplanes age.

Whistleblower Raises Quality Issues and Potential Safety Hazards

According to Salehpour’s formal complaint, submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in January and subsequently made public, the concerns are not limited to the newer 737 Max jet. Salehpour emphasized two quality issues that could dramatically reduce the lifespan of the planes, potentially resulting in catastrophic consequences.

Focus on Aviation Safety

Speaking on a conference call, Salehpour made his intentions clear, stating that his aim is not to see Boeing fail, but rather to promote the company’s success while preventing future airplane crashes. Salehpour highlighted the urgent need for Boeing to improve its practices, stressing the importance of implementing necessary changes for enhanced aviation safety.

The FAA has reiterated its commitment to aviation safety, stressing the role of voluntary reporting, without fear of reprisal, in fostering a secure aviation industry. A Senate subcommittee has planned a hearing to address the concerns raised by Salehpour.

Boeing Denies Structural Integrity Concerns

Notably, Boeing has refuted the allegations regarding the structural integrity of its 787 Dreamliner, asserting that Salehpour’s claims are inaccurate. The company released a statement affirming the exhaustive efforts undertaken to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft. Boeing remains firm in its dedication to maintaining the high standards demanded by the aviation industry.

Continued Scrutiny and Previous Investigations

Salehpour’s complaint has drawn attention to past investigations. Over a span of nearly two years starting in 2021, the FAA and Boeing halted deliveries of the Dreamliner due to concerns surrounding the inadequate filling of tiny gaps during the aircraft’s assembly. Boeing claims to have implemented revised manufacturing processes, leading to the resumption of deliveries.

While the 787 Dreamliners were not subject to grounding, the FAA has previously undertaken two separate investigations into quality control during the assembly process. According to Salehpour’s attorneys, the revelation that the gaps in filling remained an issue surprised the FAA.

Boeing Responds to Retaliation Allegations

The whistleblower complaint in question also addresses allegations of retaliation by Boeing towards Salehpour. The complaint states that after Salehpour raised concerns about drilling issues with the 787 and a different plane model, he was allegedly ignored by management and subsequently transferred from the 787 program to the 777 program.

Within his new role, Salehpour claims to have discovered subpar work regarding the alignment of body pieces and engineer pressures to approve uninspected tasks. The scope of the issues raised by Salehpour encompasses more than 400 777s and 1,000 787s.

Market Reacts

Following these allegations, Boeing’s shares fell by 2% on Tuesday, indicating the market’s initial response to the news.

Stay Updated on the Developments

This story is currently unfolding, and new details may emerge. Make sure to stay connected to our news platform for the latest updates on this investigation.