Another ‘whistleblower’ involved in the Boeing safety controversy has died suddenly, according to media reports.
Joshua Dean passed away this week after developing a sudden illness. He was stricken with Influenza B and MRSA, and later developed pneumonia.
According to a report on news.com.au reproduced from the New York Post, Mr Dean, a former quality auditor at Spirit AeroSystems, went public with claims that the company’s leadership ignored manufacturing defects in Boeing’s 737 MAX. Spirit AeroSystems is a Boeing supplier.
His death comes just two months after another employee who raised concerns about the embattled company died by alleged suicide.
Mr Dean raised concerns about improperly drilled bulkhead holes on parts for Boeing 373 Max planes, according to the Seattle Times. He claimed flagging the issue with his management had no effect.
The issues with the improper drilling were later acknowledged by Spirit Aerosystems. Both issues caused delays at Boeing manufacturing plants.
Boeing has been under investigation following an incident in January when a door hatch flew off a 737 Max 9 during an Alaska Airlines flight.
Meanwhile Bonza’s fleet will stay grounded until next week, leaving more than 30,000 customers stranded and out of pocket.
A statement from administrators Hall Chadwick issued yesterday said flight operations would not resume “up to and including” Tuesday 7 May.
The budget airline entered voluntary administration on Tuesday.
But in brighter news travel agents, suppliers and media gathered in Sydney last night to celebrate the return of South African Airways to Australian shores.
“We’re back after four years. We’re extremely excited to have our airline back here in Australia and we’re here to stay,” said Michael Hall, Country Manager, Australia & New Zealand, South African Airways (SAA).
The first Johannesburg-Perth flight (SA280) landed in the Western Australia capital on Monday. The carrier will provide 80,000 seats per year between the two destinations.
“I was watching the touchdown from the observation deck at Perth Airport and there was an eruption of applause with so many South Africans also there. It did bring a tear to my eye.”
