Boeing 787

A review team comprising technical experts from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing has confirmed that the 787 Dreamliner aircraft is well-designed and complies with safety standards.

The review was initiated in January 2013, and re-evaluated the design, manufacture and assembly processes of the twin-engine airliner.

FAA administrator Michael P Huerta asked the team to review critical systems of the aircraft, following a lithium battery fire on a 787 in Boston’s Logan International Airport.

The review helped to identify and correct issues that emerged prior to and after the certification of the airliner.

The team compared service reliability data of 787 with other new Boeing models over the same period, including the B777.

The team selected aircraft components including variable frequency starter generators, electrical power panels, fuel line couplings and aft fuselage sections, for a comprehensive test.

Manufacturing and supplier quality related issues were identified and four recommendations were made to Boeing.

"The findings validate our confidence in the design of the airplane."

The manufacturer was advised to continue implementing gated design and production processes; ensure suppliers are aware of their responsibilities, as well as see that they identify realistic programme risks and comply with industry standards for Boeing-required inspections.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner said: "The findings validate our confidence in both the design of the airplane and the disciplined process used to identify and correct in-service issues as they arise."

In addition to the Boston incident, the 787 was plagued by a series of safety incidents last year, including an overheated battery on Japan’s All Nippon Airways jet, and issues with brakes, fuel spillage, and other systems.

The global 787 fleet was grounded for nearly four months after the Boston fire and Japan battery incidents.

The aircraft resumed flights after Boeing redesigned the battery system with improved insulation of the cells, new design of the internal battery components, and a new containment and venting system.

Image: FAA review confirms Boeing 787 complies with safety standards. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

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