Jeff Bezos, billionaire founder of Amazon and space tourism company Blue Origin, watches a video playback of his flight experience from the spaceport near Van Horn, Texas. AP
Jeff Bezos, billionaire founder of Amazon and space tourism company Blue Origin, watches a video playback of his flight experience from the spaceport near Van Horn, Texas. AP
Jeff Bezos, billionaire founder of Amazon and space tourism company Blue Origin, watches a video playback of his flight experience from the spaceport near Van Horn, Texas. AP
Jeff Bezos, billionaire founder of Amazon and space tourism company Blue Origin, watches a video playback of his flight experience from the spaceport near Van Horn, Texas. AP

Business

Technology

Bezos's Blue Origin employees allege sexism and unsafe flight standards

Former and current employees report a 'toxic environment' taking a toll on mental health

Alkesh Sharma
Alkesh Sharma

October 01, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The US Federal Aviation Administration said it will probe billionaire Jeff Bezos’s space firm Blue Origin over safety concerns raised by the company’s former and current employees.

Alexandra Abrams, former head of Blue Origin employee communications, and 20 other unnamed employees made the charges in a letter that was sent to the FAA before being published on the whistle-blowing website, Lioness.

They also reported a “toxic environment” at the company and accused its top management of promoting a culture of sexism, adding that the work culture at Blue Origin has taken a “toll on the mental health” of many employees.

“Former and current employees … are terrified of the potential consequences for speaking out against the wealthiest man on the planet. Others have experienced periods of suicidal thoughts after having their passion for space manipulated in such a toxic environment.”

Others expressed concerns over placing the need to beat Richard Branson and Elon Musk in the space race before taking proper safety precautions.

“We have seen a pattern of decision-making that often prioritises execution speed and cost reduction over the appropriate resourcing to ensure quality,” the complaint said.

“Blue Origin has been lucky that nothing has happened so far … in 2018, when one team lead took over, the team had documented more than 1,000 problem reports related to the engines that power Blue Origin’s rockets which had never been addressed,” it added.

The FAA — the country’s largest transport agency that regulates all aspects of civil aviation - said it “takes every safety allegation seriously, and the agency is reviewing the information".

Billionaire businessman Jeff Bezos embraces veteran aviator Wally Funk after Blue Origin’s reusable New Shepard craft capsule returned from space on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Billionaire businessman Jeff Bezos embraces veteran aviator Wally Funk after Blue Origin’s reusable New Shepard craft capsule returned from space on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Jeff Bezos, Funk and and gap-year student Oliver Daemen, 18, disembark after Blue Origin’s reusable New Shepard capsule returned from space.
Jeff Bezos, Funk and and gap-year student Oliver Daemen, 18, disembark after Blue Origin’s reusable New Shepard capsule returned from space.
Jeff Bezos disembarks after the flight.
Jeff Bezos disembarks after the flight.
New Shepard touches down on Earth.
New Shepard touches down on Earth.
New Shepard approaches the ground.
New Shepard approaches the ground.
The capsule carrying Jeff Bezos and three crew members returns to Texas by parachute.
The capsule carrying Jeff Bezos and three crew members returns to Texas by parachute.
The booster rocket returns to the launch pad.
The booster rocket returns to the launch pad.
The rocket lifts off.
The rocket lifts off.
The launch viewed from far.
The launch viewed from far.
The rocket is launched on the world’s first unpiloted suborbital flight.
The rocket is launched on the world’s first unpiloted suborbital flight.
It took off from Blue Origin’s launch site, near Van Horn in western Texas, US.
It took off from Blue Origin’s launch site, near Van Horn in western Texas, US.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is launched from its spaceport.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is launched from its spaceport.
The rocket lift-off.
The rocket lift-off.
The launch pad. Blue Origin’s first crewed mission was an 11-minute flight from Texas and back. Reaching an altitude of 106 kilometres, it coincided with the 52nd anniversary of the first Moon landing.
The launch pad. Blue Origin’s first crewed mission was an 11-minute flight from Texas and back. Reaching an altitude of 106 kilometres, it coincided with the 52nd anniversary of the first Moon landing.
People watch on a television screen as the rocket sits on the launch pad.
People watch on a television screen as the rocket sits on the launch pad.
The crew members prepare for the flight.
The crew members prepare for the flight.
The crew members prepare for the flight.
The crew members prepare for the flight.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com, rings a bell before boarding the flight.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com, rings a bell before boarding the flight.
This still image taken from video by Blue Origin shows Funk, Daemen and the Bezos brothers before they leave for the flight.
This still image taken from video by Blue Origin shows Funk, Daemen and the Bezos brothers before they leave for the flight.
A monitor in a zone reserved for the media shows Wally Funk being interviewed.
A monitor in a zone reserved for the media shows Wally Funk being interviewed.
This still image taken from video by Blue Origin shows Funk, Jeff and Mark Bezos, and Daemen as they ascend the crew tower for the flight.
This still image taken from video by Blue Origin shows Funk, Jeff and Mark Bezos, and Daemen as they ascend the crew tower for the flight.
This still image taken from video by Blue Origin shows, from left, Mark Bezos, Jeff Bezos, Wally Funk and Oliver Daemen as they travel to the launch pad.
This still image taken from video by Blue Origin shows, from left, Mark Bezos, Jeff Bezos, Wally Funk and Oliver Daemen as they travel to the launch pad.
Jeff Bezos, his brother Mark Bezos, a private equity executive, Wally Funk and Oliver Daemen pose in an undated photograph.
Jeff Bezos, his brother Mark Bezos, a private equity executive, Wally Funk and Oliver Daemen pose in an undated photograph.

Blue Origin disputed the allegations and said it stands by its safety record.

“Ms Abrams was dismissed for cause two years ago after repeated warnings for issues involving federal export control regulations,” Blue Origin said.

“We stand by our safety record and believe that [Blue Origin rocket] New Shepard is the safest space vehicle ever designed or built.”

The global space economy, which has attracted many top companies such as Tesla and Amazon, involves various activities such as research and development, space tourism and the utilisation of space.

Mr Bezos shakes hands with Wally Funk, who became the oldest person in space. Reuters
Mr Bezos shakes hands with Wally Funk, who became the oldest person in space. Reuters

It employs more than 3,600 people.

“The workforce … is mostly male and overwhelmingly white. One-hundred per cent of the senior technical and programme leaders are men,” the complaint against the company said.

“We found many company leaders to be unapproachable and showing clear bias against women. Concerns related to flying New Shepard were consistently shut down and women were demeaned for raising them.”

Read More

Jeff Bezos and the rise of Blue Origin

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak launches space start-up Privateer

Memos from senior leadership push employees to their limits, stating that the company needs to “get more out of our employees” and that the employees should consider it a “privilege to be a part of history”.

The company said in response to the complaint that it has no tolerance for discrimination or harassment of any kind.

“We provide numerous avenues for employees, including a 24/7 anonymous hotline and will promptly investigate any new claims of misconduct.”

When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi

  

 

 

 

Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.

 
Liverpool 4-1 Shrewsbury

Liverpool
Gordon (34'), Fabinho (44' pen, 90' 3), Firmino (78')

Shrewsbury
Udoh (27'minutes)

Man of the Match: Kaide Gordon (Liverpool)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog

Age: 30

Position: Senior lab superintendent at Emirates Global Aluminium

Education: Bachelor of science in chemical engineering, post graduate degree in light metal reduction technology

Favourite part of job: The challenge, because it is challenging

Favourite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Gandi

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cylinder%20turbo%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E680hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C020Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEarly%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh530%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
FIXTURES

Saturday
5.30pm: Shabab Al Ahli v Al Wahda
5.30pm: Khorfakkan v Baniyas
8.15pm: Hatta v Ajman
8.15pm: Sharjah v Al Ain
Sunday
5.30pm: Kalba v Al Jazira
5.30pm: Fujairah v Al Dhafra
8.15pm: Al Nasr v Al Wasl

The%20Afghan%20connection
%3Cp%3EThe%20influx%20of%20talented%20young%20Afghan%20players%20to%20UAE%20cricket%20could%20have%20a%20big%20impact%20on%20the%20fortunes%20of%20both%20countries.%20Here%20are%20three%20Emirates-based%20players%20to%20watch%20out%20for.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EHassan%20Khan%20Eisakhil%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMohammed%20Nabi%20is%20still%20proving%20his%20worth%20at%20the%20top%20level%20but%20there%20is%20another%20reason%20he%20is%20raging%20against%20the%20idea%20of%20retirement.%20If%20the%20allrounder%20hangs%20on%20a%20little%20bit%20longer%2C%20he%20might%20be%20able%20to%20play%20in%20the%20same%20team%20as%20his%20son%2C%20Hassan%20Khan.%20The%20family%20live%20in%20Ajman%20and%20train%20in%20Sharjah.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMasood%20Gurbaz%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20opening%20batter%2C%20who%20trains%20at%20Sharjah%20Cricket%20Academy%2C%20is%20another%20player%20who%20is%20a%20part%20of%20a%20famous%20family.%20His%20brother%2C%20Rahmanullah%2C%20was%20an%20IPL%20winner%20with%20Kolkata%20Knight%20Riders%2C%20and%20opens%20the%20batting%20with%20distinction%20for%20Afghanistan.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOmid%20Rahman%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20fast%20bowler%20became%20a%20pioneer%20earlier%20this%20year%20when%20he%20became%20the%20first%20Afghan%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE.%20He%20showed%20great%20promise%20in%20doing%20so%2C%20too%2C%20playing%20a%20key%20role%20in%20the%20senior%20team%E2%80%99s%20qualification%20for%20the%20Asia%20Cup%20in%20Muscat%20recently.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

The biog

Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar

Nationality: Emirati

Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology

Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels

Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs

Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH

Directed by: Shaka King

Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons

Four stars

Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas

Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa

Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong

Rating: 3/5

While you're here
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
While you're here
Greatest Royal Rumble results

John Cena pinned Triple H in a singles match

Cedric Alexander retained the WWE Cruiserweight title against Kalisto

Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt win the Raw Tag Team titles against Cesaro and Sheamus

Jeff Hardy retained the United States title against Jinder Mahal

Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos

Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental title against The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe

AJ Styles remains WWE World Heavyweight champion after he and Shinsuke Nakamura are both counted out

The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match

Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match

Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last

On Women's Day
Updated: October 01, 2021, 9:13 PM`
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