In a recent interview scheduled to air on "NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt," Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour expressed his belief that all 787 jets should be grounded for thorough safety checks. Salehpour's concerns have come to light following a series of incidents involving the aircraft in recent months. The interview precedes Salehpour's testimony before Congress on Wednesday, where he will discuss the safety concerns raised in a complaint he filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this year.

Salehpour's comments in the preview of the interview released by NBC News emphasized the urgent need for attention to be given to the entire worldwide fleet of 787 planes. His primary focus is on checking for potential gaps and ensuring that there are no possibilities for premature failure. Salehpour's complaint, submitted to FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker in January through his attorneys, highlighted his repeated reporting of serious concerns to Boeing management regarding the company's production and quality control processes. He believes these processes create significant safety risks, particularly in the 787 Dreamliner and 777 jets.

The complaint specifically pointed out improper fastening of sections in the fuselage of the 787, which could result in structural failures after thousands of trips. Salehpour alleged that his concerns were dismissed despite the changes made to the fitting and fastening procedures in the assembly line. He expressed his willingness to take a stand, stating, "I have come forward, and I have extended my neck. But you know, I'm at peace with myself. Because this is going to save a lot of people's lives."

Boeing has responded to Salehpour's allegations, asserting that they are inaccurate and do not represent the comprehensive safety measures undertaken by the company. A spokesperson for Boeing expressed full confidence in the 787 Dreamliner and stated that rigorous engineering examination, overseen by the FAA, has confirmed that the reported issues do not pose any safety concerns. The spokesperson also clarified that manufacturing process changes were not responsible for the alleged problems.

In addition to Salehpour's testimony, the Senate Commerce Committee will hear from three aviation experts on Wednesday. These experts were involved in a February report that criticized Boeing's safety culture as "inadequate and confusing." The report outlined 50 recommendations for Boeing to address the identified issues within six months. It also stressed the importance of sharing the plan with the FAA, which published the report.

With the concern surrounding the safety of Boeing's 787 jets growing, Salehpour's testimony, along with the findings of aviation experts, appears to be a pivotal moment for the aviation industry. The outcome of these hearings could have significant implications for Boeing's safety practices and the continued operation of their aircraft.