Boeing safety culture under scrutiny in dual Senate hearings following whistleblower report

Boeing Under Fire in Senate Hearings Over Safety Lapses

Boeing faced intense scrutiny on Wednesday as two Senate hearings delved into alleged safety lapses at the aircraft manufacturer. The first hearing, held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, focused on a report released in February by a panel of industry and government experts. The report highlighted a “disconnect” between management and workers at Boeing, contributing to a poor safety culture that hinders employees from raising concerns.

The panel’s investigation was prompted by two fatal crashes involving Boeing 737 MAX planes in 2018 and 2019, which claimed the lives of 346 individuals. The crashes were attributed to a design flaw in the aircraft. Of particular concern was the organization designation authorization program, through which the Federal Aviation Administration delegated certain inspection responsibilities to Boeing employees.

While the panel’s report did not address a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight, where a piece of fuselage fell off during a flight, it underscored the need for improved safety measures in the aviation industry. Senator Ted Cruz emphasized the importance of addressing public concerns about aviation safety.

The second hearing featured testimony from a Boeing employee and whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, who accused the company of taking shortcuts in the manufacturing process of its 787 and 777 aircraft. Salehpour alleged that these shortcuts could lead to potential structural flaws in the planes, putting the public at risk.

Boeing has vehemently defended its manufacturing processes, particularly for the Dreamliner and 777 programs. The company stated that it is committed to fostering a safety culture and has implemented recommendations from the safety panel. Despite the challenges, Boeing remains focused on addressing issues and ensuring the safety of its aircraft.