Boeing and the 787. Nearly there?

US regulators last Friday approved a revamped battery system for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a crucial step in returning the high-tech jet to service after it was grounded in January because the plane's lithium-ion batteries overheated.

At a briefing in London today (Monday 22 April) Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager of the 787 programme said that Boeing was pushing ahead to get the fleet flying again as soon as possible.  Over 30 engineers were now in Japan dealing with ANA and Japan Air Lines.  No date has yet been given for the first aircraft to go back into service but it expected to take initially five days to modify each 'plane.  Flight Global is following the issue closely and is the best source for up to date information.  

The Federal Aviation Administration said it had approved a package of detailed design changes, a move that allows Boeing to issue a service bulletin and begin modifying the 49 aircraft delivered. A directive will be issued next week. It is expected that other national regulators will follow suit.

Before the planes can fly, they must be fitted with a "containment and venting" system for both lithium-ion batteries on the 787, the FAA said. That includes a stainless-steel enclosure to prevent heat, fumes or fire from spreading if a battery overheats in flight. Batteries and battery chargers must also be replaced with different components, the FAA said.

"This is a good step forward," United Airlines said in a statement. United is the only US carrier with 787s and plans to add them to its schedule starting 31 May. Plans to launch service from Denver to Tokyo Narita are set for 10 June, but depend on completing the modifications by then, it added. www.boeing.com/commercial

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