The Boeing Company is on the verge of completing all the tasks in an FAA-approved certification plan that will enable its 787 Dreamliner to resume normal flight operations. The plane was grounded in January following two overheating incidents with lithium-ion batteries used mainly to support ground operations of the plane. Since FAA personnel have participated continuously in the testing regime dictated by the plan, Boeing hopes to win early approval for a return to flight. The company is so confident about the comprehensive solution crafted to address battery safety concerns that it has already assembled kits and teams to install modifications on the Dreamliners that have been delivered to eight airlines. Assuming no regulatory holdups, Dreamliners could be back in the skies by early May. I have written a commentary for Forbes here.
Find Archived Articles: