The U.S.-based New York Times (NYT) reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation following allegations by a Boeing employee that “the company’s 787 Dreamliner passenger jets are not safe.” According to the newspaper, an engineer involved in the production of the aircraft series claimed that the fuselage components of the 787 Dreamliner are improperly connected, raising the possibility of structural failure during flight.
Boeing Denies Allegations as Safety Concerns Persist
Boeing spokesperson Paul Lewis refuted the claims, asserting that they have no impact on the durability or safety of the aircraft. However, Debra S. Katz, attorney for the engineer Salehpour who spoke to the newspaper, revealed that the aviation administration met with her client on April 5.
Allegations of Parts from Different Manufacturers
Salehpour argued that fuselage components are sourced from different manufacturers, leading to a lack of compatibility. He also claimed that company officials did not heed his warnings. Following these allegations, Boeing emphasized its confidence in the safety of the 787 Dreamliner while dismissing the claims.
Former Boeing Employee Found Dead
John Barnett, a former employee who previously raised concerns about the quality of Boeing’s products, was found dead in his car on March 11. Barnett had alleged in 2019 that there were manufacturing defects in the systems that automatically deploy oxygen masks above passenger seats in the event of a sudden drop in cabin pressure on “787 Dreamliner” passenger jets.
