An engineer at Boeing, Sam Salehpour, raised concerns about the quality control of the 787 Dreamliner and 777, two widely used planes in the airline industry. He filed a complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration about these concerns, which were made public and are currently under investigation. Salehpour claimed that Boeing engineers used excessive force to close gaps in the fuselage of the 787s, leading to potential defects. He also mentioned witnessing debris drilled into the joints of over 1,000 787 planes, suggesting improper construction that may result in early fatigue and failure of the aircraft.
Boeing responded to Salehpour’s claims by disputing some of the allegations and stating that they have made improvements to their production and quality control processes for the 787. The company reassured the public that their planes have undergone rigorous engineering examinations under FAA oversight to ensure their quality and long-term safety. Boeing acknowledged that the FAA had halted 787 deliveries in the past due to issues with these gaps but maintained that they have addressed and resolved them. However, Salehpour’s lawyers stated that the FAA was surprised to learn that the gaps in the fuselages were still a concern.
Salehpour’s lawyers alleged that after he raised concerns about the quality control of the 787, he was removed from the team and placed on the 777, where he observed similar issues with parts not being installed correctly. They claimed that Salehpour faced retaliation in the form of exclusion from meetings and travel opportunities, poor performance evaluations, and threats of physical violence. Boeing did not comment on Salehpour’s claims related to the 777. Salehpour is scheduled to testify about his claims to the Senate, and his lawyers have stated that all documentation related to his allegations will be made public during the hearing.
In response to Salehpour’s allegations, Boeing’s shares fell by around 2%. Salehpour’s claims come at a time when Boeing is already under scrutiny for other issues, such as the 737 Max 9, which is currently facing federal scrutiny after a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines flight mid-air. The allegations made by Salehpour raise concerns about the quality and safety of Boeing’s aircraft, particularly the 787 Dreamliner. Boeing has maintained that they have taken steps to address any issues raised and ensure the quality and safety of their planes.
The 787 Dreamliner has been plagued by production issues since its rollout in 2011, with the FAA halting deliveries in 2021 due to issues with fuselage gaps. Despite Boeing’s assertions that they have resolved these issues, Salehpour’s claims suggest that problems still exist. Salehpour’s concerns highlight the importance of proper quality control and oversight in the manufacturing of aircraft to ensure their safety and longevity. The outcome of the investigation into Salehpour’s claims will likely have significant implications for Boeing and the aviation industry as a whole.
