As id things couldn’t get worse, but now Boeing is facing fresh safety allegations after a whistleblower engineer, Sam Salehpour, came forward with concerns about the manufacturing processes of the company’s widely popular 787 Dreamliner and 777 long-haul jets. Salehpour, a quality engineer with over a decade of experience at Boeing, alleges that the company prioritized speed and cost-cutting measures over proper assembly procedures, potentially compromising the structural integrity and lifespan of these aircraft.
These allegations come at a critical time for Boeing, which is still grappling with the fallout from the 737 MAX crisis. The MAX model was grounded worldwide for nearly two years following two fatal crashes linked to a faulty flight control system. The grounding resulted in billions of dollars in losses for the company and severely damaged public trust in Boeing’s safety record.
The Whistleblower’s Claims
Salehpour’s central allegation is that Boeing implemented shortcuts during the assembly of the 787 and 777, which could lead to serious issues down the line. He claims to have witnessed practices like leaving debris from drilling in fuselage interfaces and improper fastening of composite materials. These shortcuts, he argues, could compromise the strength of the aircraft and potentially lead to catastrophic failures in the future.
FAA Investigation Launched
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed it is investigating Salehpour’s claims. The agency is reviewing his allegations and will conduct inspections at Boeing facilities to verify or refute his concerns.
A Culture of Profit Over Safety?
Salehpour’s claims raise troubling questions about Boeing’s internal culture. His allegations echo concerns raised by John Barnett, a former Boeing inspector who reported safety issues with the 737 MAX program before the crashes. Barnett tragically died by suicide in 2020 while pursuing legal action against the company.
The FAA is under pressure to thoroughly investigate these latest allegations, particularly in light of Boeing’s recent safety record. If the allegations are proven true, it could lead to significant repercussions for the company, including production halts, fines, and a further erosion of public trust.
The Road Ahead
Boeing has strongly denied Salehpour’s claims, maintaining that both the 787 and 777 are safe and meet all regulatory requirements. However, the ongoing FAA investigation and the shadow of the 737 MAX crisis cast a long shadow over the company. Other recent safety concerns and high profile incidents obviously haven’t helped Boeing’s reputation. Only time will tell if these latest allegations hold merit, but one thing is certain: Boeing must prioritize safety and rebuild public trust if it wants to weather this latest storm.
