Two Senate committees are set to examine Boeing’s safety culture and recent whistleblower allegations on Wednesday, as the company faces intense scrutiny.
Following an incident involving the door plug of a Boeing 737 Max 9 plane in January, the aerospace giant has come under increased scrutiny. While no representatives from Boeing are expected to testify during the hearings, senators will delve into the company’s safety failures and whistleblower claims.
The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has invited Boeing CEO David Calhoun to address concerns about the company’s safety culture.
Boeing put under Senate scrutiny (Credits: Bozeman Daily)
However, Calhoun has not confirmed his attendance. The subcommittee will also hear from whistleblower Sam Salehpour, a Boeing quality engineer who raised alarm about potential safety issues with the 787 Dreamliner fuselage.
Salehpour’s concerns revolve around sections of the Dreamliner fuselage not being properly connected, posing risks of premature failure during flight. He alleges that he faced retaliation from Boeing after voicing these concerns.
The Senate Commerce Committee will also hold a hearing on Boeing’s safety culture and the Federal Aviation Administration’s oversight. Senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz have invited aviation experts to discuss their findings, which highlighted deficiencies in Boeing’s safety procedures and training.
Boeing safety in spotlight at US Senate hearing (Credits: France 24)
While Boeing has expressed willingness to cooperate with the Senate’s inquiries, no company representatives will testify at the hearings. Boeing has faced mounting pressure following a series of high-profile incidents, including fatal crashes involving the 737 Max 8 aircraft.
The company recently reached a compensation agreement with Alaska Airlines over the January incident involving the 737 Max 9 door plug. Additionally, the Justice Department has initiated a criminal investigation into Boeing’s handling of records related to the incident.
Despite Boeing’s assurances of transparency and commitment to safety, lawmakers remain concerned about the company’s practices and culture. While clarity may be limited without Boeing’s direct testimony, senators are determined to hold the company accountable for any safety lapses and retaliatory actions against whistleblowers.
