Boeing Faces Accusations of "Criminal Coverup" by Whistleblowers
In a dramatic testimony to the U.S. Senate, Boeing whistleblower Sam Salehpour has raised grave concerns over the structural integrity of the company's 787 and 777 models. Salehpour alleges, based on an analysis of Boeing’s manufacturing data, that the aircrafts' skins are not fastened correctly, posing a potential risk of the planes disintegrating mid-air over time.
Ed Pierson, a former manager at Boeing's Renton, Washington factory and a vocal critic following the two fatal crashes of its 737 Max 8 planes, accompanied Salehpour in the testimony. Pierson accused the aviation giant of a "criminal coverup," particularly in light of a recent issue with an Alaska Airlines-operated 737 Max 9. This incident, sparked by a door plug blowout, has reignited scrutiny over Boeing's safety practices and documentation processes.
Pierson revealed that despite initial claims of missing documentation related to the faulty door plug, he had located the records and forwarded them to the FBI. This act contributes to the ongoing criminal investigation undertaken by the Justice Department into the Alaska Airlines flight incident.
Despite these serious allegations, Boeing maintains its stance on safety and structural integrity, particularly of the 787 model. The company has issued statements highlighting its confidence in the comprehensive work conducted to ensure the long-term safety and quality of its aircraft. "Claims about the structural integrity of the 787 are inaccurate and do not represent the comprehensive work Boeing has done to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft," Boeing reassured in its response to the accusations.
As the Senate Homeland and Governmental Affairs subcommittee delves deeper into these claims, the aviation community and the public await further developments. The combined testimonies of Salehpour and Pierson underscore continued concerns about aviation safety and corporate accountability within one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers.
Analyst comment
Negative news. The market may react negatively to the accusations, potentially leading to a decrease in demand and a decline in Boeing’s stock price. Investors may lose confidence in the company’s safety practices and corporate governance, leading to a potential reputational and financial impact for Boeing.
