In a summon by a Senate subcommittee, Boeing’s CEO, David Calhoun, is called to testify regarding the company’s jetliners amidst safety-related accusations from a whistleblower, adding a layer of intrigue to the ongoing inquiry.
Scheduled for next week, the hearing will feature a Boeing quality engineer, Sam Salehpour, poised to unveil safety concerns surrounding the production and assembly of the 787 Dreamliner. The subcommittee, in a letter, underscores the potential gravity of these issues, citing “potentially catastrophic safety risks.”
While Boeing remains tight-lipped about Calhoun’s attendance at the April 17 hearing, a spokesperson, responding to The Associated Press, asserts the company’s cooperation with the subcommittee, offering to furnish documents, testimonies, and technical briefings.
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been delving into Salehpour’s allegations since February, as disclosed by the subcommittee, although the FAA has yet to comment on the matter.
Salehpour, whose concerns gained traction through a recent New York Times article, is anticipated to outline instances of retaliation following his disclosure.
According to Salehpour, his apprehension stemmed from alterations in the fuselage assembly process for the 787. He expressed concerns about potential shortcuts leading to undue stress on the composite material comprising the aircraft’s outer skin—a composite typically lauded for its strength-to-weight ratio, but susceptible to deformation-induced fatigue, as Salehpour contends.
Allegedly, Boeing not only disregarded Salehpour’s warnings but also sidelined him, a move perceived as retribution.
In a lengthy statement spanning 1,500 words, Boeing vehemently defends the structural integrity of the 787, dismissing assertions to the contrary as “inaccurate” and affirming the aircraft’s long-term serviceability.
Boeing adamantly refutes any allegations of retaliation, emphasizing its commitment to fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to voice concerns.
Boeing’s safety track record has come under intense scrutiny following a recent incident involving a door panel on a 737 Max 9 jet operated by Alaska Airlines, reigniting concerns about quality control issues within the company.
Amidst ongoing production challenges plaguing both the 787 and the 737 Max, Calhoun’s impending retirement announcement in March adds another layer of complexity to Boeing’s leadership landscape.
