Boeing has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its battery system improvements, paving the way for the type to return to service.
“FAA approval clears the way for us and the airlines to begin the process of returning the 787 to flight with continued confidence in the safety and reliability of this game-changing new airplane,” said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney. “The promise of the 787 and the benefits it provides to airlines and their passengers remain fully intact as we take this important step forward with our customers and program partners.”
The FAA’s action will permit the return to service of 787s in the United States upon installation of the improvements. For 787s based and modified outside the United States, local regulatory authorities provide the final approval on return to service.
Airlines such as ANA All Nippon Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Japan Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Qatar Airways and United Airlines all have their delivered 787s grounded in various locations around the world.
Boeing has deployed teams to these locations to begin installing improved battery systems on 787s. Kits with the parts needed for the new battery systems are staged for shipment and new batteries also will be shipped immediately. Teams have been assigned to customer locations to install the new systems. Aircraft will be modified in approximately the order they were delivered.
“The Boeing team is ready to help get our customers’ 787s back in the air where they belong,” said Conner.
Ethiopian Airlines has already announced its intention to return its Dreamliners to flight on 25th April, whilst United plans to return on 31 May.
