If there ever was a time to fly Boeing, it was anytime other than now.
With accidents and scandals piling up, one after another, with four just last week, I’m guessing it’s time to bring back good ol’ fashioned road trips if we want to travel anywhere.
An undercover team went to a Boeing factory to see what’s really going on.
They asked those working there what they thought and if they would fly a Boeing themselves?
Let’s just say that their answers wouldn’t please their CEO.
MSN reports:
The death of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett came after a week of Boeing making headlines over a series of safety-related issues.
Here is a recap of recent incidents that have shaken the reputation of the aircraft manufacturing giant:
ADVERTISEMENTWhistleblower found dead
John Barnett, 62, who reported safety problems at Boeing, died on Saturday from an apparent “self-inflicted” wound, according to a coroner in the state of South Carolina in the United States.
Barnett worked as a quality manager for the US aircraft giant for more than three decades until he retired in 2017.
In 2019, Barnett alleged the aircraft maker, based just outside Washington, DC, had deliberately fitted planes with faulty parts and passengers on its 787 Dreamliner could be left without oxygen in the event of a sudden decompression. Boeing denied these allegations.
“We are saddened by Mr. Barnett’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends,” Boeing told Al Jazeera in a statement.
Fifty injured on Australia-New Zealand flight
A Chilean LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Monday dropped abruptly midair on a flight from Australia to New Zealand.
About 50 people were treated for mostly mild injuries by paramedics after the plane touched down in Auckland. Twelve people were taken to hospital, according to an ambulance spokesperson, and one was believed to be in serious condition.
The reason for the plane’s sudden drop is currently unexplained and is under investigation by New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission. Safety experts said most airplane accidents are caused by a combination of factors that need to be thoroughly investigated.
Boeing discloses names of employees regarding door blowout
In January, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft made an emergency landing in Portland after a door panel blew off in midair, leaving a gaping hole in the aircraft.
On Wednesday, Boeing provided US regulators with the names of employees on the team responsible for doors on the 737 MAX.
Other recent Boeing incidents
Last week marked a wave of incidents with Boeing aircraft in the US.
ADVERTISEMENTOn March 4, an engine fire forced a Boeing 737 to make an emergency landing in Houston, Texas, soon after takeoff. The engine ingested some plastic bubble wrap that was on the airfield prior to departure, according to United Airlines.
In Portland, Oregon, a Boeing 737-800 was forced to make an emergency landing due to fumes in the cabin on Wednesday.
On Thursday, a tyre fell off a Boeing 777-200 after it took off from San Francisco, destroying a car. The plane was bound for Japan, but it was diverted to Los Angeles, where it landed safely.
A Boeing 737 MAX rolled off the runway in Houston and got stuck in the grass on Friday.
What's going on with Boeing? Al Jazeera sent an undercover reporter to a plant in South Carolina where Dreamliners are assembled and found that the workers there wouldn't want to fly on one of those planes because of how poorly put together they are pic.twitter.com/Pag38MwMOR
— Vishal Mishra (@vishalbhargav_) March 12, 2024
Like I suggested, its road trip time.
And for those of you that need to travel over waters, get your self a hover conversion kit.
This guy made one and it sold for a little over $40k at auction.
Where we’re going, we don’t need planes.
Or perhaps you prefer something that looks more like an airplane.
I present to you the Flying Hovercraft by Hammacher Schlemmer.
Though it’s sold out and costs $190k.
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!