On June 12th, Air India’s Boeing 787, shortly after take-off, crashed into a Medical College’s Hostel. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, Boeing’s aircraft have been under scrutiny because of their safety issues for almost a year now. There have been multiple cases of engine failure in this aircraft model, although this is the first fatal crash of the 787, claiming 249 lives, with only one survivor.
Profits over safety? Boeing 787 under scrutiny yet again
In 2024, one of the Boeing engineers, Sam Salehpour had raised a safety alarm regarding the structural integrity of the Dreamliner. Salehpour accused Boeing of faulty manufacturing of the 787’s fuselage and warned of the deadly consequences. Another whistleblower, John Barnett, Boeing’s former quality control manager, had also alerted about the safety of the aircraft. In an Interview, Barnett had claimed that risks, along with the aircraft’s age, could be fatal. A subsequent complaint to the Federal Aviation Administration led to an ongoing FAA investigation. Despite this, in April 2025, Boeing secured a $96 billion order for 787 and 777X jets from Qatar.
In addition to this, Boeing is currently facing the aftermath of the two fatal 737 Max crashes in 2020. The US Justice Department had confirmed in the past that Boeing had violated a 2021 agreement, which enabled it to avoid criminal prosecution. Recently, it was offered a deal to resolve its charges against it and cut back its government contracts. While the terms of the deal are vague, this plea can barely restrict Boeing from signing government and defence deals in the future. According to the experts, the government depends too much on this particular manufacturer.
Boeing is one of the largest manufacturers of commercial and military aviation worldwide. While there is yet no accountability for the 249 lives lost in the Ahmedabad crash, the question of whether there will be any accountability resurfaces. Boeing and its monopoly in the aviation market, the governments and their priceless contracts raise concerns for the future of air travel and its safety.
What do you think about governments still buying Boeing’s aircraft? Why was the 12-year-old aircraft operational for long-haul flights? Let us know in the comments below!
