Boeing 787 Dreamliner gets FAA Approval on Battery Fix – Flights to Resume

After months of re-engineering, and over 100,000 hours of planning and testing, it appears that Boeing has found a fix for its battery problem with the new 787 Dreamliner aircraft. After its extensive testing last month, the company earned approval from the FAA on the battery fix and will be returning the aircraft to flying service.

To develop a solution, Boeing indicated on their web site that they had engaged a team comprised of more than a dozen battery experts from across multiple industries. With the battery fix approved, Boeing said that they now expect to have all previously planned 2013 aircraft deliveries completed by the end of the year. The company does not expect its 2013 financials to be impacted by the battery issue.

“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 reportedly conducted extensive review of the certification tests performed throughout March prior to granting its approval. According to Boeing, the tests were designed to validate that individual components of the battery, as well as its integration with the charging system and a new enclosure, all performed as expected during normal operation and under failure conditions.

The fix for the 787 battery system has multiple layers of protection which will both prevent and isolate a fault should it occur. In the event of a battery overheat, a new steel enclosure system has been designed to keep it from affecting the airplane or even being noticed by passengers.

“The ultimate layer of protection is the new enclosure, which will ensure that even if a battery fails, there is no impact to the airplane and no possibility of fire. We have the right solution in hand, and we are ready to go,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The Boeing team is ready to help get our customers’ 787s back in the air where they belong.”