Boeing is facing another round of scrutiny, this time over its 777 and 787 Dreamliner wide-body programs. A whistleblower, identified as Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, raised concerns about potential structural flaws in both aircraft types due to alleged manufacturing shortcuts taken by the plane-maker.
Salehpour’s allegations, detailed in The Seattle Times, pointed to issues such as gaps between fuselage sections on the 787 and improper fitting of fuselage panels on the 777. He claimed that these shortcuts could lead to structural failure and potential safety risks for hundreds of jets.
In response, Boeing mounted a vigorous defense of its manufacturing processes, holding a media briefing at its Dreamliner assembly plant in North Charleston, South Carolina. The company outlined the assembly process for the 787, emphasizing the rigorous testing each component undergoes to ensure structural integrity.
Boeing refuted Salehpour’s claims, stating that all 787s meet certification specifications and undergo thorough engineering examinations under FAA oversight. The company also highlighted its commitment to safety and encouraged employees to report any concerns through various channels, including an ethics hotline and an anonymous reporting system called “Speak Up.”
The FAA is currently investigating Salehpour’s claims, and Boeing continues to work on corrective actions for any identified issues. The aviation industry emphasizes the importance of voluntary reporting without fear of reprisal to ensure safety standards are upheld.
This latest controversy comes on the heels of ongoing challenges for Boeing, including the 737 MAX crisis that led to the ousting of the company’s CEO and commercial airplane chief. The aviation giant remains under intense scrutiny as it navigates these quality control issues and works to maintain the trust of regulators and customers.