Boeing, the US based aircraft manufacturer, has been cooperating with US and Japanese investigators to discover the problem with its next generation Dreamliner 787 aircraft, and recent report suggests that the fault may be with the aircraft’s electrical components.
Earlier, airlines had grounded the aircraft globally, on fears regarding its airworthiness, following incidents of its onboard battery catching fire. Two Japanese airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airlines, were the first of many to ground their Dreamliner aircraft and commence an investigation into the safety standards of the aircraft, claimed to be the first to offer mid-size airplane capabilities on long-distance routes.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had also issued an emergency airworthiness directive for temporary suspension of operations for all Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the US, a decision that resulted in the grounding of all Dreamliners flown by United Airlines.
Recent investigations suggest that the fault may not be with the battery used onboard the aircraft, but with the electrical system that monitors battery voltage, charging and temperature.
The Japanese transport ministry official, Shigeru Takano, said in an interview with the BBC, ‘We have found no major quality or technical problem with the lithium-ion batteries.’
Currently, Boeing has around 800 planes on its production line, due to heavy demand for the aircraft from commercial and military organisations across the world.
The aircraft is claimed to offer greater fuel efficiency from its lightweight, as well as customisable interiors, cleaner air, a lower cabin altitude, high humidity, better windows, and more overhead storage space for aircraft passengers, making it the most sought after next generation aircraft, prior to its recent problems.
