Not long before Boeing Company CEO David Calhoun was set to testify before a Congressional committee, reports from another Boeing whistleblower came forward. This time, a current employee said that questionable parts were installed on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

New whistleblower claims

In recent months, several problems at Boeing have been brought to light. Whether it be through whistleblowers or employees bringing problems to leadership to be dealt with, Boeing has had a fair share of claims to deal with. Earlier today, reports surfaced of a new whistleblower claiming several parts were installed on planes that should not have been.

According to CNN, Sam Mohawk is the latest whistleblower. Mohawk works for the quality assurance team in Renton, which involves the 737 MAX program. The claims were made public earlier today by a Senate subcommittee investigation, shortly before CEO David Calhoun was set to testify before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

Reports say that Boeing received the information on the investigation yesterday evening.

“We are reviewing the claims. We continuously encourage employees to report all concerns as our priority is to ensure the safety of our airplanes and the flying public.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal is the chair of the committee that led the investigation, and he accused Calhoun of putting profits over safety. According to CNN, Blumenthal said the committee has spoken to a dozen whistleblowers. Speaking on Mohawk’s claims, Blumenthal said,

“His allegations are extraordinarily serious. His account of the retaliation against him is particularly chilling the pressure that was exerted on him to stay silent. They have a program called Speak up well, he was told to shut up.”

Mohawk claims that in June 2023, Boeing told staff at the Renton plant to relocate nonconforming parts to hide them from FAA inspectors. Supposedly, some parts were returned after the inspection, but some were lost. Two months later, Mohawk claims the manufacturer instructed employees to delete records relating to the parts. According to Mohawk, he brought this up to Boeing but was ignored.

Turning the ship around

Yesterday, after reporting that David Calhoun would testify before Congress today and that Boeing was looking for a new CEO, reports surfaced that one of Boeing’s primary candidates will not take the role. Larry Culp is the CEO of GE Aerospace, one of the leading engine manufacturers. Culp said he had not been interested several times in previous months and could best serve Boeing as a supplier. Now, he has removed his name from consideration for CEO at Boeing.

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GE Aerospace’s Larry Culp Rejects Boeing CEO Position

Whoever becomes the next head of Boeing will have even more responsibility than normal. Boeing’s reputation worldwide has been crushed, and for several years, its main rival, Airbus, has received more orders. For two consecutive months, Boeing has not received a single order for its 737 MAX aircraft. Last month, only four planes were ordered.

Boeing 737 MAX 10 in United livery at Boeing factory

Photo: Lukas Souza | Simple Flying

One of the world’s most important air shows, Farnborough International Airshow, will take place in England next month, and Boeing will undoubtedly look to add to its order book there.

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