Boeing 'shortcuts' are jeopardizing plane safety, whistleblower tells Congress

By Robert Schroeder

Aircraft maker has pushed back, defending integrity of its 787s

A whistleblower on Wednesday accused Boeing of taking "manufacturing shortcuts" on its 787 program that could reduce the safety of the airplanes, as lawmakers examine allegations of major failures at the aircraft maker.

"I have analyzed Boeing's own data to conclude that the company is taking manufacturing shortcuts on the 787 program that may significantly reduce the airplane safety and the life cycle," Boeing (BA) engineer Sam Salehpour told members of an investigative subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

"Effectively they are putting out defective airplanes," he said.

Before the hearing, Boeing defended the integrity of the fuselages of its two largest planes. On Monday, two Boeing engineering executives described in detail how panels are fitted together, in particular those on the 787 Dreamliner.

They suggested the 787's carbon-composite skin is nearly impervious to the metal fatigue that weakens conventional aluminum fuselages.

Read: Boeing pushes back on whistleblower's allegations, defends integrity of its 787s

Salehpour testified at one of two hearings held by the Senate on Wednesday. The Senate Commerce Committee held its own hearing, during which it heard from experts who found flaws in the company's safety culture.

"Boeing is fully confident in the 787 Dreamliner because of the comprehensive work done to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft," the company says in a statement on its website. "Claims about the structural integrity of the 787 are inaccurate."

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the Connecticut Democrat who leads the investigative subcommittee, and Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, its top Republican, have demanded documents from Boeing going back six years. Blumenthal said he expects Boeing CEO David Calhoun to appear before the panel for questioning.

Also read: Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun leaving the company seen as good news for the stock

The Associated Press contributed.

-Robert Schroeder

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04-17-24 1333ET

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