Boeing’s Latest Crisis: Federal Investigation Launched Amid False Inspection Claims

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into troubled jet firm Boeing after the company revealed that it may not have properly inspected its 787 Dreamliner planes. This follows news that Boeing staff may have falsified aircraft records, which the company internally reported as a “misconduct” that did not pose an immediate safety issue. However, shares in the company fell more than 1% after the announcement of the investigation was made public.

Boeing is currently reinspecting all 787 jets still on the manufacturing line and developing an “action plan” to address concerns about planes already in service. The FAA’s investigation comes after Boeing voluntarily reported last month that it may not have completed necessary inspections to confirm adequate electrical safeguards in certain 787 Dreamliners. The FAA is now investigating whether Boeing completed the inspections and if employees may have falsified aircraft records.

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, resulting in a “more than 500% increase” in reports from employees.