Boeing faces new safety allegations, whistleblower sparks investigation

Boeing finds itself under fresh scrutiny as whistleblower Sam Salehpou, a seasoned Boeing engineer, has come forward with grave concerns about the production of the company's 787 and 777 jets.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively investigating these claims, signaling potential new challenges for the aerospace giant.

Salehpour accuses Boeing of adopting construction shortcuts for its 787 and 777 aircraft.

His main allegation is that these shortcuts could jeopardize the structural integrity of the planes and considerably shorten their lifespan.

This accusation emerges amidst Boeing's ongoing struggles with safety issues, notably the January incident of a 737 MAX plane's mid-air panel blowout.

Countering these allegations, Boeing maintains its stance on the safety of the 787 Dreamliner.

"These claims about the structural integrity of the 787 are inaccurate and do not represent the comprehensive work Boeing has done to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft," the company said.

Boeing asserts that extensive engineering analysis under FAA oversight has validated that these concerns do not present any safety risks.

However, the FAA has confirmed its investigation into the allegations, emphasizing the critical role of voluntary reporting in aviation safety.

This investigation aligns with the FAA's heightened scrutiny of Boeing since the January door plug blowout incident.

After raising these issues, Salehpour alleges he faced retaliation from Boeing, including threats and exclusion from important meetings. He was subsequently transferred to work on the 777 jet.

These developments have led to a significant decision by Boeing's CEO, Dave Calhoun, to step down by the end of the year.

The situation will gain further visibility as U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal's office announced a Senate hearing scheduled for April 17 to investigate Boeing's safety culture.

Salehpour is set to testify, providing a direct account of his concerns and experiences.

Amid these unfolding events, Boeing's shares fell nearly 2% after the FAA's investigation announcement.

The company, already navigating a criminal investigation and other legal troubles, is under increased pressure to balance operational efficiency with rigorous safety standards.

Source: Newsroom