In a recent interview with CNN, a former Boeing quality-control manager, Merle Meyers, has brought to light serious allegations regarding the manufacturing practices of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner factory in Everett, Washington. Meyers, a 30-year veteran of the company, claims that workers at the factory have been routinely taking parts deemed unsuitable for flight from an internal scrap yard and reinstalling them on the assembly lines. This practice, according to Meyers, has been ongoing for several years and has involved around 50,000 parts that "escaped" Boeing's quality control.
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Meyers, whose job was to find quality problems at Boeing, believes he was forced out of the company last year and was given a severance package that he is unable to discuss due to a privacy agreement. He expressed concern that the practice of using unapproved parts in the assembly lines continues, despite Boeing's claim that it investigates all allegations of improper behavior. The allegations come at a time when Boeing is already under scrutiny for safety lapses following the fatal crashes of its 737 Max aircraft in 2018 and 2019. The company is also facing a criminal investigation for potentially misleading the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during the certification process for the 737 Max.
In response to Meyers' claims, Boeing issued a statement emphasizing that it encourages employees to speak up and that it investigates all allegations of improper behavior. The company also acknowledged that its quality team plays an important role in identifying issues and improving processes. The allegations have raised concerns about Boeing's commitment to safety and quality control, particularly in light of the company's recent history of safety lapses. The use of "scrap" parts in the assembly lines, if proven true, would be a serious violation of industry standards and could potentially compromise the safety of passengers and crew.
The FAA has capped Boeing's production line speed following the January 5 door plug blowout on a 737 Max. The incident, which occurred on an Alaska Airlines flight, has further highlighted the need for Boeing to address its safety issues and ensure the integrity of its manufacturing processes. As the investigation into Meyers' allegations continues, Boeing faces significant challenges in regaining the trust of its customers, employees, and the public. The company's ability to address these concerns and demonstrate a renewed commitment to safety and quality will be crucial in rebuilding its reputation and ensuring the continued success of its business.