Boeing is facing a new probe from the US after it was revealed that the company may not have properly inspected its 787 Dreamliner planes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate whether Boeing staff falsified records, following an internal report that the “misconduct” did not pose an immediate safety issue. However, shares in the company fell more than 1% after news of the investigation broke.
This is the latest in a series of issues at Boeing since January, when an emergency exit door blew off a new 737 Max 9 plane shortly after take-off. This incident led to the temporary grounding of numerous planes and increased regulatory oversight. In March, CEO Dave Calhoun announced he would step down by the end of the year. Last month, whistleblowers testified before Congress about their concerns regarding the 787, with one individual stating that his warnings were dismissed by the company.
Boeing has been actively working to reform its corporate culture to encourage employees to speak out about potential issues. Since January, there has been a “more than 500% increase” in reports from employees. The company will now be required to develop an “action plan” to address concerns about planes already in service and reinspect all 787 jets still on the manufacturing line.
