Aviation
The American aviation authority FAA has started an investigation into the design of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the 777. According to a whistleblower, parts of the fuselage of this type of aircraft are not properly assembled.
Source: CNN, New York TimesVandaag at 05:07
Whistleblower Sam Salehpour came forward to the FAA in January after identifying technical issues affecting the structural integrity of the planes. In his ten years as an engineer at Boeing, he saw that mechanics are under so much pressure to deliver quickly that they use tricks to connect different parts together faster. This could cause the planes to fall apart over time in full flight.
Salehpour is said to have raised the problems with the aircraft manufacturer several times, but his warnings were ignored by management. According to him, he was subsequently threatened and excluded from meetings.
According to Boeing, the Dreamliners are completely safe. In 2021, production of the 787 was halted for two years as the FAA investigated reports of quality issues and manufacturing defects with the aircraft. Boeing then adjusted the production process and was subsequently allowed to supply the aircraft by the FAA.
Boeing has been under fire since the beginning of this year after an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 lost a door panel in mid-flight. The aircraft part is said to have missed four crucial bolts. Various investigations at Boeing by the FAA have now shown that there are major problems with the quality controls on the aircraft. Among other things, the staff would not know how to use the different reporting systems and which system applies when.
The company has promised improvement. CEO Dave Calhoun will make way for a new director to be announced at the end of the year.
