The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into allegations raised by a Boeing whistleblower regarding safety and quality concerns in the production of Boeing's 787 and 777 jets. 

According to Reuters, the whistleblower, Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, has highlighted engineering problems affecting the structural integrity of the jets and alleged shortcuts taken during the assembly process.

Boeing Whistleblower Points Out Engineering Issues

Salehpour, who worked on the 787 program, identified issues with the fastening of fuselage sections in the Dreamliner, warning that improper fastening could lead to mid-flight breakage. 

The New York Times reported Salehpour's concerns that changes in assembly line practices contributed to these issues, where different pieces of the fuselage, manufactured by various suppliers were not properly fitted together.

Boeing spokesperson Paul Lewis acknowledged the manufacturing changes but insisted they did not impact the airframe's durability or safety. He stated that extensive testing had been conducted on the Dreamliner and that Boeing was conducting further analysis to assess any long-term fatigue concerns.

The FAA's investigation comes in the wake of previous quality problems faced by Boeing, particularly with the 787, leading to delivery halts until August 2022. Boeing's response to the investigation has been mixed, with the company expressing confidence in the Dreamliner's safety but facing criticism over its handling of manufacturing concerns.

In a statement, Salehpour's attorneys, Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, accused Boeing of prioritizing market speed over addressing safety issues raised by Salehpour. The New York Times reported Salehpour's allegations of facing retaliation and transfer within Boeing for raising concerns about production practices.

"This is a culture that prioritizes the production of planes and pushes them off the line even when there are serious concerns about the structural integrity of those planes and their production process," Katz said.

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Boeing Safety Crisis

This latest investigation adds to Boeing's existing challenges, including a safety crisis following a mid-air panel blowout on a 737 MAX plane in January. The company has undergone leadership changes, with CEO Dave Calhoun stepping down, and the Justice Department has initiated a criminal investigation into its manufacturing practices.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's investigations subcommittee, has announced plans to hold a hearing with Salehpour on April 17, stating, "Repeated, shocking allegations about Boeing's manufacturing failings point to an appalling absence of safety culture and practices."

Boeing's shares declined by 1.6% following confirmation of the FAA investigation, according to Reuters. However, the company maintains confidence in the 787 Dreamliner's safety and quality.

In response to the investigation, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the need for Boeing to commit to significant improvements, stating, "This won't be back to business as usual for Boeing."

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