FAA whistleblower probe found deep mistrust between Southwest and mechanics
The simmering distrust between Southwest Airlines management and its mechanics prompted scrutiny from Federal Aviation Administration months ago, fearing it could impact safety standards.
A FAA investigation was started last year after whistleblower complaints alleging management had applied pressure to prevent maintenance workers from reporting mechanical issues.
The investigation ultimately concluded no FAA safety rules were broken but found the airline’s treatment of mechanics after reporting faults was ‘a tool used to influence a relaxing of standards, to look the other way.’
At least 10 mechanics in Dallas and Los Angeles said the airline discouraged the reporting of safety issues.
A FAA report published last year stated: "The result of this pattern is a capitulation of airworthiness and a culture of fear and retribution. Some personnel have resorted to photographing their findings … as a tool to ensure they can prove what they discovered in the event they are questioned by management."
The FAA findings came six months before an engine exploded on a Southwest flight last month resulting in the first air accident fatality in the US for nine years.
"Southwest’s culture of safety does not align with the comments made by the individual FAA employee who conducted the investigation. Nothing is more important in our business than safety and, as such, compliance is always our theme," the airline said in a response to NBC.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive