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    Boeing CEO David Calhoun Faces Congressional Grilling Amid New Whistleblower Claims

    nephilaBy Business And Money 4 Mins Read

    Boeing has had many issues lately. Corporate culture isn’t the least of their troubles.

    Boeing CEO David Calhoun is set to face a Congressional grilling on Tuesday, marking his first appearance before lawmakers since a panel blew out of a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. In his prepared remarks, Calhoun acknowledged that Boeing’s culture is “far from perfect,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to improving transparency, accountability, and employee engagement. This hearing coincides with new whistleblower revelations that further challenge Boeing’s safety practices.

    The Senate investigations subcommittee released information on two new whistleblowers. Sam Mohawk, a current Boeing employee, alleges that Boeing is improperly documenting, tracking, and storing damaged or out-of-specification parts, which are then likely being installed on airplanes. Mohawk also claims he was instructed by supervisors to conceal evidence from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The second whistleblower, who remains anonymous, accused Boeing of attempting to eliminate quality inspections by having workers inspect their own work and that of their colleagues.

    Senator Richard Blumenthal, chair of the subcommittee and a vocal critic of Boeing, highlighted these issues, describing Boeing’s culture as one that prioritizes profits over safety and silences those who speak up. In response, Boeing stated it received information about the new whistleblowers only recently and is reviewing their claims, reaffirming its commitment to safety.

    Boeing has previously faced accusations of reducing the number of safety inspectors, a claim the company denies. In January 2019, a senior Boeing quality executive mentioned plans to reduce inspector roles and integrate technology into the inspection process. However, Boeing asserts that it has since increased its quality team and the number of inspections per airplane.

    In a Senate report, whistleblower Sam Mohawk detailed significant concerns following the restart of 737 Max production after the fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. He noted a “300% increase” in reports about nonconforming parts and feared these parts were being installed on planes, potentially leading to catastrophic events. Mohawk also alleged that parts were intentionally moved to hide them from FAA inspectors during a pending inspection last June.

    Earlier this year, other Boeing whistleblowers, including quality engineer Sam Salehpour, testified before lawmakers, criticizing the company’s safety culture. Salehpour claimed that employees who raised concerns about production defects and lack of quality control were ignored and marginalized.

    The Alaska Airlines incident, although it resulted in no serious injuries, has renewed scrutiny on Boeing’s 737 Max. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are conducting separate investigations into the incident. Calhoun, in his prepared testimony, emphasized Boeing’s cooperation with these investigations and the company’s efforts to strengthen safety and quality.

    This hearing is a critical moment for Boeing as it seeks to rebuild public trust after the deadly 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019. Senator Blumenthal has expressed skepticism about Boeing’s promises to overhaul its safety practices, calling for Calhoun’s testimony as a necessary step towards accountability.

    Adding to the scrutiny, the Justice Department is considering whether to prosecute Boeing for violating the terms of a settlement following the fatal crashes. Calhoun, who will leave his position by the end of the year, faces significant pressure to address these safety concerns and restore confidence in Boeing’s commitment to aviation safety.

    Key Points:

    i. Congressional Hearing: Boeing CEO David Calhoun will testify before Congress, addressing concerns raised after a 737 Max incident and new whistleblower claims.

    ii. Whistleblower Allegations: Two whistleblowers have come forward with allegations, including improper documentation of damaged parts and efforts to eliminate quality inspections.

    iii. Safety Concerns: The whistleblowers claim Boeing’s culture prioritizes profits over safety and that employees raising concerns are marginalized.

    iv. Company Response: Boeing denies reducing safety inspectors and asserts an increase in quality checks since 2019, while also reviewing the new whistleblower claims.

    v. Ongoing Investigations: The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the Alaska Airlines incident, and the Justice Department is considering prosecuting Boeing for violating settlement terms related to previous crashes.

    James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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