FAA investigating claims by whistle-blower over 787; Boeing delivers 83 planes in first quarter

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating claims made by a Boeing engineer with over a decade at the company. The FAA reportedly confirmed it was investigating the allegations but had declined to comment further on the matter. Engineer Sam Salehpour made allegations against the manufacturer, claiming the fuselage of the 787 Dreamliner aircraft have not been fastened properly and could break apart mid-flight after several take-offs; a result of changes made at the assembly line level. The allegations were reported by the New York Times on April 9, 2024. However, Boeing stated that it has properly analysed and validated that the aircraft will maintain a service life spanning over several decades and that the issues raised ""do not present any safety concerns"". ""We are fully confident in the 787 Dreamliner because of the comprehensive work done to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft,"" Boeing said in a statement. ""These claims about the structural integrity of the 787 are inaccurate. The issues raised have been subject to rigorous engineering examination under FAA oversight."" It added: ""We continue to monitor these issues under established regulatory protocols and encourage all employees to speak up when issues arise."" Boeing also released its delivery report for the first quarter of the year on the same day, revealing it had delivered 83 commercial airplanes. It marks the lowest first quarter deliveries since 2021, which saw 77 commercial aircraft delivered in a time where the world, and the aviation sector particularly, were still grappling with COVID-19 crisis. 2023's first quarter commercial airplane deliveries had been 130 and 2022's were 95 deliveries. The deliveries comprised of 13 787s, three 767s, and 67 737s. The FAA had capped 737 deliveries at a monthly cycle of 38 aircraft (114 aircraft over three months), following the federal authority's investigation into the Alaska Airlines flight 1282 incident where a door plug blew out shortly after take-off on January 5, 2024, on a 737 MAX 9 aircraft. However, Boeing did clarify in February that it expected the delivery output cycle to be lower in the first half of the year, with it gradually reaching 38 737 deliveries per month. The Boeing Company's stock fell 1.89% on April 9 at market close.