Boeing, a leading aerospace company, has reaffirmed Monday the safety of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft amidst allegations raised by a whistleblower regarding potential structural flaws.
Last week, whistleblower Sam Salehpour has brought attention to concerns about the assembly process of the 787 Dreamliner, claiming that it could compromise the aircraft's longevity. This prompted an investigation by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Salehpour is scheduled to testify before a Senate hearing alongside other industry experts and former Boeing personnel. The focus of the hearing will be on aircraft safety and Boeing's production practices.
Boeing Defends Aircraft Quality, Safety Amid Allegations
Boeing has responded to the allegations by defending the quality and safety standards of its aircraft, particularly highlighting the 787 Dreamliner and the 777 models, CNBC reported.
The company has dismissed Salehpour's claims as "inaccurate" and expressed full confidence in the safety and durability of the 787 AND 777 models.
"These 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 said in a statement.
During a media briefing, Boeing's engineering managers detailed the extensive testing procedures conducted on the 787 Dreamliner, including stress tests equivalent to 165,000 flight cycles.
Steve Chisholm, Boeing's chief engineer for mechanical and structural engineering, emphasized that these tests have not revealed any structural fatigue issues in the Dreamliner's composite structure.
Boeing's proactive measures include inspections of older Dreamliner planes, where no evidence of fatigue in the composite skins has been found. The company has also addressed concerns related to metallic parts and issued inspection guidelines for affected areas.
Boeing Cultivates Safety-Conscious Culture
Boeing's stance on safety extends to its organizational culture, emphasizing the encouragement of employees to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
Lisa Fahl, Boeing's vice president of engineering for airplane programs, highlighted an increase in employee safety reports, indicating a proactive approach to safety within the company.
The 787 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency and innovative design, has been a key product for Boeing.
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