Boeing 787 Delivery Stopped Because of Fuselage Problems

Boeing has stopped deliveries of 787 Dreamliner aircrafts following a recent issue with the fuselage.

Boeing calls the issue an "analysis error", but says it is not a threat to its in-service fleet. Boeing had stopped 787 deliveries for over a year in the past due to production problems; this latest development has caused Boeing's shares to drop by almost 3%.

Boeing temporarily suspended deliveries of Dreamliner aircrafts due to additional analysis of their fuselage parts. Before deliveries can resume, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will have to be fully satisfied with the issue. Boeing is also working with the FAA to resolve any issues that may arise for newly delivered aircraft. Boeing issued a statement explaining the situation:

"In reviewing certification records, Boeing discovered an analysis error by our supplier related to the 787 forward pressure bulkhead. We notified the FAA and have paused 787 deliveries while we complete the required analysis and documentation."

Boeing assured customers that there is no immediate safety concern for its in-service fleet. It is also in touch with customers and will follow the FAA's lead. Although the plane maker acknowledged that short-term deliveries may be affected, it did not anticipate any changes to its production or delivery outlook for the year.

This announcement recalls the recent delivery drought that plagued Boeing's 787s a few years ago. After concerns about Boeing's inspection procedures and production flaws, the FAA stopped deliveries of the Boeing 787 in May 2021. In February 2022, the FAA declared that Boeing would not be allowed to self-certify each 787 aircraft's completion.

The FAA completed the final airworthiness sign off for each 787 aircraft. This is the same process that it has done with all Boeing 737 MAX planes since the return of deliveries following the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines disasters.

Boeing didn't deliver one Dreamliner for more than a decade, which affected plans of many airlines around the globe, including Vistara in India and American Airlines in the US.

In August 2022, the plane manufacturer resumed deliveries. American Airlines received a 787 from them and they quickly increased their delivery schedule to over 30 aircraft in a matter of months.

Brian West, Boeing's Chief Financial Officer, had previously stated on an earnings call that although it may take some time for production to ramp up the Dreamliner, they still hope to hand out 70 to 80 Dreamliners this year to customers.

Source: simpleflying.com