By Charlotte Seet
Boeing’s 787 Deliveries Halted Pending FAA Approval
American-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing has halted deliveries of its 787 Dreamliners, causing probable delays for airline customers following a recent five-month suspension in handing over the aircraft due to production problems.
The halt in deliveries comes as Boeing is still awaiting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for the manufacturer’s proposed inspection method to see if it would comply the FAA’s federal safety regulations. The FAA is said to still be waiting on additional data from Boeing before moving ahead to approve the proposal.
“Since the FAA has not approved Boeing’s proposal, Boeing chose to temporarily stop deliveries to its customers,” the FAA said in a statement.
Boeing had said earlier that it was in the midst of providing the FAA with more information on its undelivered 787 Dreamliners, and that the 787s already in service can still operate and fly as the FAA noted that it had issued two airworthiness directives prior to addressing production issues for in-service aircraft.
“We are working to provide the FAA with additional information concerning the analysis and documentation associated with the verification work on undelivered 787s,” a Boeing spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
The U.S. aircraft manufacturing giant’s single-aisle Boeing 737 MAX and twin-aisled 787 Dreamliner have both been affected by electrical and other issues since late last year, and it only resumed deliveries of the 787s back in March after its five-month suspension.
According to Boeing, inquiries over the newly proposed inspection method involve a known technical issue and is not an issue that would impact the safety of flight operations.
Boeing’s delivery halt is the latest upset for the aircraft manufacturer, as it has come under continuously renewed scrutiny after a relentless series of safety and technical problems with its aircraft models, as well as the two deadly crashes of the 737 MAX which claimed many lives and grounded several aircraft worldwide.
In addition to awaiting the FAA’s approval for the 787, Boeing was also ordered on Thursday to pay at least $17 million in penalties and will also have to undergo several corrective actions with its 737 MAX and NG aircraft production after the FAA found that installed equipment on more than 750 aircraft had contained sensors that were not approved.
“Keeping the flying public safe is our primary responsibility. That is not negotiable, and the FAA will hold Boeing and the aviation industry accountable to keep our skies safe,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson in a press release.
Upon signing the settlement agreement with the FAA, Boeing will have to pay the full penalty within thirty days and must also complete specific corrective measures within specified timeframes. Should Boeing not upkeep its end of the agreement, the FAA will levy up to $10.1 million in additional penalties.
Fascinated by aircraft from a very young age, Charlotte’s dream was to work alongside the big birds one day. Pursuing her dream, she went on to achieve her diploma in Aviation Management and is currently working on her degree in Aviation Business in Administration with a minor in Air Traffic Management. When she’s not busy with school assignments, you can find her aircraft spotting for long hours at the airport. In Charlotte’s heart, the Queen of the Skies will always be her favorite aircraft.