Boeing faces fresh challenges as engineer Sam Salehpour blew the whistle on safety concerns surrounding the manufacturing processes of its 787 and 777 jets.
Salehpour alleged that shortcuts were taken in construction, jeopardising the integrity of the planes. Despite raising these concerns with management, Salehpour claimed he faced threats of termination.
Boeing refuted the accusations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an investigation into the claims, causing Boeing’s shares to dip by nearly 2%.
The development adds to Boeing’s ongoing legal woes, including a criminal investigation following an incident involving a detached exit door on a 737 Max 9 plane earlier this year. The ensuing crisis led to regulatory probes, production slowdowns, and CEO David Calhoun’s announcement of stepping down by year-end.
Salehpour’s attorneys alleged that Boeing’s decisions in aircraft assembly compromised safety, particularly concerning joint stress in the 787 jets, affecting over 1,000 planes. in the lawsuit Salehpour claimed he faced repercussions, including work reassignments and exclusion from crucial discussions, after raising these issues.
The 787 Dreamliner has faced quality complaints since its inception. Boeing halted deliveries for two years to address concerns before resuming in 2022 under FAA supervision.
Image credit: Artur Voznenko
