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Boeing Engineer Raises Alarms over Boeing 787 Dreamliner Safety Concerns
Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, set to testify before the Senate, recently disclosed concerning information regarding the safety of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Salehpour warned about potential fuselage flaws in the Dreamliner, suggesting that these flaws could lead to catastrophic consequences mid-flight due to issues with how the metal skin is attached to the rest of the plane.
Salehpour emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that he believes the current issues are among the most severe he has encountered in his lifetime. He even went as far as to express hesitancy about allowing his own family to fly on a 787 Dreamliner in the present circumstances and advocated for a halt in the production of the aircraft until the safety concerns are adequately addressed.
Concerns and Grounding of the Fleet
When asked by NBC News correspondent Tom Costello about whether he would permit his family to fly on a 787 Dreamliner, Salehpour unequivocally replied, “Right now, I would not.” He further suggested that a comprehensive inspection of the entire global fleet of 787 Dreamliners should be conducted to ensure passenger safety.
According to Boeing’s most recent annual report, there are over 1,100 aircraft of the 787 Dreamliner model currently in operation worldwide. The implications of the alleged safety issues, as highlighted by Salehpour, could potentially affect a significant portion of Boeing’s existing order backlog.
Boeing’s Ongoing Safety Issues
Boeing has faced a turbulent period marked by safety-related incidents. In January, an Alaska Airlines 787 Max 9 experienced a door plug blowout, prompting increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) raised concerns about Boeing’s commitment to safety following an investigation into the matter, leading to a criminal probe by the Justice Department.
CEO Dave Calhoun’s announcement of his upcoming departure at the end of the year further compounds the challenges facing Boeing. Salehpour had previously disclosed encountering resistance from the company when attempting to raise safety concerns, alleging threats of physical harm and termination. Despite Boeing’s denial of any such intimidation tactics, the credibility of Salehpour’s claims has sparked widespread attention and raised questions about the integrity of Boeing’s safety protocols.
Boeing’s Response and Market Impact
Boeing has vehemently refuted Salehpour’s allegations, asserting that the claims regarding the structural integrity of the 787 Dreamliner are inaccurate. The company maintains confidence in the quality and long-term safety of its aircraft, emphasizing the extensive measures taken to uphold safety standards. However, if the severity of the issues raised by Salehpour is validated, it could cast a shadow over Boeing’s current order backlog and erode consumer trust.
Despite the ongoing turmoil surrounding Boeing, the company’s shares exhibited negligible movement in early trading on Wednesday. Nevertheless, Boeing’s stock has declined by nearly 35% since the beginning of the year, reflecting the growing concerns among investors about the company’s operational challenges and safety issues.
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