Broken Dreams: The Boeing 787
The production of the Boeing 787 heralds the next evolution in flight technology. However, the plane has been plagued by serious malfunctions since its inception. What is to blame for the potentially fatal accident of the one-time Dream Sky machine, and how much information has been withheld from the unsuspecting public?
Shattered Dreams: The Boeing 787, a documentary produced by Al Jazeera, goes behind the scenes to expose a disturbing business model that puts the lives of ordinary travelers at risk every day; one made of compromised quality Defined by standards, operator error, and corporate cover-up.
Built by a team of manufacturers from around the world, the Boeing 787 is designed to be the most advanced airliner in the industry, promising unparalleled comfort and fuel efficiency. It works with an extremely complex electrical system based on state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries.
These batteries were indeed identified as one of the culprits in the plane accident. Extensive independent studies have been conducted on battery technology, each finding explosive instabilities that do not meet operating standards. The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) allowed Boeing to conduct its own tests, and Boeing came to a very different conclusion: The battery presents little risk of catching fire on the plane. However, the industry expressed great concern when two in-flight battery fires occurred within nine days, leading to the retirement of all 50 Boeing 787s in January 2013. Just a few months later, a redesign of the battery ensured the plane could fly again.
Broken Dreams: The Boeing 787 features compelling testimony from designers, engineers and corporate whistleblowers. They all claim that beyond volatile battery packs there are many problems, including low quality standards driven by irresponsible cost-cutting and restrictive planning considerations, flawed part design, rampant drug use, and, sadly, Inadequately skilled and unregulated operating production and operations personnel. These shortcomings combine to create a nightmarish situation where human lives may be the ultimate price.
