All 787 operators ground their Dreamliner fleets
An emergency airworthiness directive issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to owners and operators of 787 Dreamliners - prompted by recent incidents with lithium ion battery failures causing fires on two model 787-8 airplanes – has led to all eight airlines that operate Boeing 787s temporarily grounding their Dreamliner fleets.
The airlines operating Boeing 787 Dreamliners are:
- Air India: 6
- All Nippon Airways (Japan): 17
- Ethiopian Airlines: 4
- Japan Airlines: 7
- LAN Airlines (Chile): 3
- Lot Polish Airlines: 2
- Qatar Airways: 5
- United Airlines (US): 6
Total: 50
(Source: Boeing)
Yesterday morning, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) adopted the FAA Airworthiness Directive in order to ensure the continuing airworthiness of the European fleet (currently two Boeing 787s operated by LOT Polish Airlines). EASA is monitor ing the situation and providing any support the FAA and Boeing may require in their investigation.
The FAA and EASA are maintaing that the Dreamliners should remain grounded until further notice, whilst safety checks are carried out on their lithium ion batteries.
