The Federal Aviation Administration issued an “emergency airworthiness directive” late Wednesday following a string of incidents with Boeing’s precocious problem child, the 787, grounding the plane indefinitely until the reason behind two recent fires — attributed to faulty batteries — could be determined and the problem solved. The 787, also called the Dreamliner, is already a hugely expensive project for Boeing. The F.A.A.’s action increases the challenges that the manufacturer faces in trying to recoup its investment.
Following an unscheduled landing in New Orleans in December and a fire in Boston earlier this month, an All Nippon Airways flight had to make an emergency landing yesterday after a battery malfunction and reports of smoke in the cabin. Both ANA and Japan Airlines, the other carrier that has the most 787s in service, grounded their fleets voluntarily on Thursday ahead of the F.A.A. action while they attempt to figure out what went wrong.
Industry analysts and watchers — including TIME’s Bill Saporito in this article — have been quick to point out that there are always hiccups when rolling out new plane models. But as the mishaps continue to multiply, some are starting to wonder if this time is different.“This is in a class by itself,” says Richard Aboulafia, vice president at aerospace and defense industry market analysis firm the Teal Group.
“We will be taking every necessary step in the coming days to assure our customers and the traveling public of the 787