Dreamliner problems mount for Boeing
Boeing’s flagship new plane delayed again after battery trouble grounds more flights.
The 787 Dreamliner was supposed to revolutionise the aviation industry, with its advanced fuel-efficient technology and supposedly reduced environmental impact. Since its first flight in late-2009 the plane has been beset by problems.
The latest wave of issues with the plane stem from problems with the batteries supplied by Japanese firm GS Yuasa, leading to Dreamliners operated by airlines All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines being grounded by regulators. Now a joint investigation has been launched by US and Japanese authorities into the firm’s production lines.
Japanese transport ministry official Yashuo Ishii told reporters: “Engineers from the [US Federal Aviation Administration], Boeing and our aviation bureau started a probe this morning that is mainly focusing on GS Yuasa’s production line.
“They are checking on whether there have been any issues in the production process. We still don’t know what caused the battery problem, and so we are looking into all possibilities.”
The difficulties Boeing has had with its Dreamliner, which also include faulty brakes, fuel leaks and on-board fires, has led to talks of a crisis at the firm. However, European-based rival Airbus has also suffered trouble with some of its new fleet of jets, including its A380 superjumbo, with faults and production delays causing fewer than expected deliveries in the last year.
