Second Dead Boeing Whistleblower Generates Fear and Suspicion
May 05, 2024Key Takeaways
- Trust in the Boeing brand and general airlines safety remains low amid headlines of a second dead whistleblower.
- Americans express increased fear or flying due to more Boeing malfunction events and brand emphasis on profits and identity politics over safety.
- Many people are also discussing what they view as suspicious actions by Boeing as a corporation, voicing distrust and alarm.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
10,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
14 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
Online conversations around Boeing, its CEO, two dead whistleblowers, and the brand image of Boeing are highly negative and critical. This negativity stems from multiple issues the company has been facing, including alleged manufacturing defects on the 737 MAX, the death of two whistleblowers under mysterious circumstances, and overall concerns about the company's focus on profits over safety.
- Public sentiment toward Boeing seems to be dropping significantly, falling from around 50% just over a week ago to 39% today.
- Sentiment seems to decline with increased conversation about airline safety and Boeing aircraft.
Suspicious Whistleblower Deaths
Whistleblower Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, made allegations about willful ignorance of manufacturing defects on the 737 MAX. Several weeks after another whistleblower John Barnett’s suspicious death, Dean was also reported dead, sparking outrage and suspicion.
Many Americans surmise Boeing is involved in both Barnett and Dean’s deaths. Some even accuse the company of behaving like a mob and having their "own hitmen lined up." There is a growing belief in the potential for corporate cover-ups and conspiracy theories.
People frequently discuss whether Boeing has hired professional assassins to eliminate whistleblowers, although these claims appear to be speculative and lack direct evidence.
Increased Fear of Flying
Safety has been the most prevalent issue in discussions about Boeing. Many planes, particularly the 737 Max, have been cited for various safety issues, including two fatal accidents in recent years. Stories of malfunctions leading to crashes, losses, and passenger danger are on the rise.
Ongoing safety issues have led some people to voice concerns about boarding Boeing planes and the company's commitment to safety. Some voters have even suggested the company be nationalized to ensure better safety standards.
The number of Americans who say they feel concerned about the safety of Boeing's planes seems to be increasing. Some say they would not want to fly with Boeing due to their perceived negligence and focus on profits over safety. There are also voices advising others not to work for Boeing.
Many people also call for Boeing to be held accountable for its safety issues. They demand transparency from the company and express the need for regulatory bodies like the FAA to step in and ensure safety standards are upheld.
Critiques of Boeing’s Business Practices
There is also criticism of Boeing's relationship with its employees and suppliers, and general corporate practices. One commenter mentions a cage full of defective parts in a non-union shop in South Carolina, implying the company is cutting corners on quality and safety.
The search for a new Boeing CEO after Dave Calhoun stepped down is also met with sarcasm. Some are saying the right choice should, "Restore faith that the company cares whether your plane falls out of the sky."
Furthermore, there is talk suggesting Boeing's safety issues may be a result of its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Some people believe, along with general negligence in quality control, Boeing is prioritizing identity politics over passenger safety.
There are also conversations about Boeing's financial performance, with Americans discussing its stock price and financial results. Some express concern about the company's future, fearing the implications of air travel becoming increasingly unsafe.
Overall, conversations around Boeing and its brand value are highly critical and negative. Most people express distrust and dissatisfaction with the company's practices and leadership. This seems to be harming Boeing's brand image and customer trust going forward.