Four former or current Boeing employees testified before the US Senate investigative committee. They denounce in particular security problems on several models.
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Is safety still a priority at Boeing? This is the question posed in substance by an American Senate commission of inquiry which began its hearings on Wednesday April 17. Four current or former employees of the aircraft manufacturer warned about the 737 Max, the 787 Dreamliner and the 777 in the wake of the door being torn off after the takeoff of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max in January.
These four whistleblowers point to serious production problems on the three devices. They said this during the hearing on Wednesday, followed in Washington. Sam Salehpour, a quality engineer at Boeing for 17 years, testifies despite the pressure he says he received. “I’m here because I don’t want to see the 787 or 777 crash. I have serious concerns about the safety of the 787 and 777 and I’m willing to take professional risks to speak out about it.” For example, he describes manufacturing shortcuts on the 787 or even insufficient inspections which can reduce aircraft safety.
“What I’m trying to say is that unfortunately Boeing’s attitude at the highest level is to use defective parts, whatever they may be.”
Sam Salehpour, quality engineer at Boeingbefore the Senate commission of inquiry
Ed Pierson was one of those responsible for the 737 MAX program at Boeing. He feels that he is still not sure and he does not mince his words to be heard. “Unless action is taken and leaders are held accountable, every person who boards a Boeing is at risk,” he assures.
The aircraft manufacturer denies that 1,400 of its aircraft have security flaws, while its managers will be required to testify at future hearings.
