Boeing, the Arlington, Virginia-based aircraft manufacturer, faces difficulties with a sharp decline in aircraft orders, delays in its Starliner spacecraft mission, and ongoing safety concerns highlighted by recent incidents and whistleblowers. The company is under intense scrutiny and pressure to enhance its manufacturing and safety standards amidst a challenging period.
Boeing, the Arlington, Virginia-based aircraft manufacturer, reported receiving only seven aircraft orders in April, a number overshadowed by 33 canceled orders, primarily due to Canadian budget carrier Lynx Air ceasing operations. This development continues to place Boeing behind its European competitor, Airbus, which has delivered 203 planes since the beginning of the year, compared to Boeing’s 107.
In other news, Boeing announced the delay of its Starliner spacecraft’s first manned mission to May 21 due to a helium leak in the propulsion system. The mission, originally scheduled for last week, will carry two NASA astronauts to space from Florida.
Boeing’s challenges are not limited to aircraft sales and space missions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is restricting the production of new Boeing 737 Max jets following an incident in January where a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. This incident has intensified scrutiny on Boeing, already facing multiple investigations by the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Justice Department.
Last month, Sam Salehpour, a Boeing Quality Engineer, and Ed Pierson, a Foundation for Aviation Safety Executive Director, testified before Congress about ongoing safety issues within Boeing. Salehpour alleged that parts of the 787 Dreamliner were not properly secured and reported threats from his supervisor after raising these concerns. Pierson claimed that there was a cover-up regarding the investigation of the 737 Max incident.
In a related matter, whistleblower John Barnett, who had accused Boeing of using sub-standard parts in aircraft assembly, was found dead in his truck in South Carolina in March. CEO David Calhoun acknowledged the severity of the Alaska jet incident, calling it a “watershed moment” for the company.
Boeing continues to face significant scrutiny and operational challenges as it navigates through these crises and aims to improve its manufacturing and safety standards before Calhoun’s tenure ends later this year.