The US government has launched a new investigation into aircraft manufacturer Boeing after the company admitted to air safety regulators that it might not have properly inspected its 787 Dreamliner planes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it will investigate whether Boeing staff falsified inspection records.
Boeing informed its employees last week that the “misconduct” had not resulted in an “immediate safety of flight issue.” According to a message from Scott Stocker, head of the Boeing 787 program, several employees had violated company policies by failing to perform required tests while recording the work as completed. The FAA stated that Boeing had come forward “voluntarily” to inform that it “may not have completed” inspections necessary to ensure adequate electrical safeguards where the wings join the main body of certain 787 Dreamliners.
As a result of this revelation, the FAA is now investigating whether these inspections were completed and whether company employees falsified aircraft records. The FAA emphasized its commitment to ensuring public safety, indicating that it would take any necessary actions as the investigation continues.
Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, known for its extensive use in international flights, has faced multiple issues in recent years. Just this January, an unused emergency exit door on a new 737 Max 9 plane blew off shortly after take-off, bringing the company’s manufacturing and safety processes under intense scrutiny. This led to a temporary grounding of dozens of planes, production slowdowns, increased regulatory oversight, criminal investigations, and a host of other legal and financial complications.
Following these incidents, Boeing’s chief executive Dave Calhoun announced in March that he would step down by the end of the year. Boeing’s reputation had already been tarnished by two high-profile 737 Max crashes within five months in 2018 and 2019, leading to the death of 346 passengers and crew, and eventually the firing of then-chief executive Dennis Muilenburg.
In addition, last month, Congress hosted a hearing with whistleblowers, including Sam Salehpour, who testified that his concerns about the 787 were dismissed. Boeing has since indicated its intention to reform its corporate culture, with a “more than 500% increase” in employee reports of issues since January. This change is part of the company’s efforts to encourage employees to speak out when they encounter problems.
The FAA’s investigation into Boeing’s inspection processes underscores the ongoing challenges and scrutiny the company faces as it works to regain public and regulatory trust.
