Boeing halts 787 deliveries due to fuselage problems

The aircraft manufacturer is working with the FAA to resolve the latest issue.

Boeing has halted deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft after another fuselage-related issue surfaced recently. The aircraft manufacturer calls it an “error of analysis”, but is convinced that it does not pose an immediate threat to the fleet in service. Previously, Boeing had halted deliveries of the 787s for more than a year due to manufacturing defects; the current development has caused its shares to fall by almost 3%.

New problem

Boeing has temporarily halted deliveries of its Dreamliner aircraft after it was found that their fuselage components needed additional analysis. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will have to be completely satisfied with the matter until deliveries can resume. The agency also said it is working with Boeing to determine any actions that may be required for recently delivered aircraft. Boeing released a statement explaining the issue:

“When reviewing the certification data, Boeing discovered an analysis error by our supplier regarding the 787 forward thrust bulkhead. We have notified the FAA and have suspended 787 deliveries while we complete the required analysis and documentation.

Photo: Boeing

Boeing has assured that there is no immediate safety risk to the fleet in service and that it is engaging with customers and will continue to follow the FAA’s lead. The aircraft maker said short-term deliveries will be affected, but not “anticipate a change in our production and supply outlook for the year.”

Suspension of previous delivery

The latest announcement brings back memories of the supply drought that hit Boeing’s 787s not too long ago. Deliveries of the Boeing 787 were halted by the FAA in May 2021 after manufacturing defects and concerns over Boeing’s inspection methods were revealed. The FAA then stated in February 2022 that it would not allow Boeing to self-certify the completion of any 787 aircraft.

Photo: Boeing

This resulted in the FAA completing final airworthiness clearance for every single 787 aircraft, just as it has done with all Boeing 737 MAX aircraft since deliveries resumed after the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes.

For more than a year, Boeing failed to deliver a single Dreamliner, impacting the plans of several airlines around the world, from American Airlines in the US to Vistara in India.

The aircraft manufacturer finally resumed deliveries in August 2022, handed over a 787 to American Airlines and quickly ramped up the delivery schedule to more than 30 aircraft in about a month.

Photo: Tom Boon | Simple flying

Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer Brian West had previously announced during an earnings call that while it will take some time to ramp up production of the Dreamliner, they still hope to distribute 70 to 80 Dreamliners to customers this year.

What do you think of the current issue of the Dreamliner? Leave a comment below.

With input from Reuters

• 

  Boeing

  Stock code:

  BA

  Type of company:

  airplane maker

  Founded date:

  15-07-1916

  DIRECTOR:

  Dave Calhoun

  Location head office:

  Chicago, USA

  Main product lines:

  Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787