Boeing faced intense scrutiny during U.S. Senate hearings this week, as lawmakers grilled the aviation giant over alleged safety shortcuts, whistleblower retaliation, and gaps in manufacturing standards. 🔍 The spotlight follows January's Alaska Airlines door plug blowout on a near-new 737 MAX 9—a crisis shaking confidence in one of America's industrial icons.
‘Told to Shut Up’: Workers Allege Pressure
Quality engineer Sam Salehpour testified that Boeing ignored his warnings about ‘hair-thin gaps’ in 787 Dreamliners, saying he was transferred to another project after raising concerns. ⚠️ "When you’re at 35,000 feet, even a millimeter matters," he told senators, comparing safety margins to "the thickness of a human hair."
Paper Trail Mystery Deepens
Boeing claims no records exist for the Alaska Airlines door plug work—a claim the National Transportation Safety Board says it can't verify. FBI is now reviewing documents provided by ex-engineer Ed Pierson via an internal whistleblower. 📂
Boeing’s Defense: 'No Fatigue Cracks Found'
The company pushed back, stating its 787 and 777 fleets have safely carried billions and show no signs of structural fatigue. 🛩️ Meanwhile, the FAA has given Boeing 90 days to submit a plan addressing 'systemic quality-control issues'—a deadline Senator Maria Cantwell called "make-or-break."
With deliveries halved and regulators tightening screws, Boeing's turbulence seems far from over. 🌪️ Travelers, stay tuned.
