Boeing is facing additional setbacks as the American Civil Aviation Agency (FAA) has launched an investigation into the company. The investigation will determine if Boeing conducted the required inspections of its 787 “Dreamliner” aircraft and if documents were falsified by employees. Specifically, the investigation will focus on whether Boeing carried out mandatory inspections related to the wing-fuselage junction on certain 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Boeing has been facing production problems with both the 787 Dreamliner and the 737 MAX, leading to delays in deliveries and causing airlines to adjust their flight schedules. In April, Boeing notified the FAA that it may not have performed the required inspections. As a result, Boeing is re-inspecting all 787 aircraft in production and developing a plan to maintain the fleet in service. However, this latest investigation adds to the challenges facing Boeing as it works to regain trust and ensure the safety and quality of its aircraft.
Scott Stocker, head of the 787 program at Boeing’s South Carolina facility, revealed in an email to employees that certain individuals had violated company policies by not performing a required test but falsely recording the work as completed. Despite this, Boeing stated that the issue did not pose an immediate flight safety concern. This comes on top of a pattern of quality and safety issues that have plagued Boeing over the past year.
Following a Senate investigative committee hearing where whistleblowers raised concerns about problems in the production of Boeing aircraft, Boeing’s CEO Dave Calhoun announced he would step down at the end of the year. This latest investigation adds to his challenges as he works to restore confidence in his leadership within and outside of his organization.
