Boeing, the renowned aircraft manufacturer, has recently encountered a new production issue that will lead to delays in the delivery of its wide-body aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner. This latest defect adds to a series of challenges the company has faced in recent months.
The problem involves a fitting on the horizontal stabilizer, a critical component of the tail that ensures the plane’s balance during flight. Boeing has identified a nonconforming condition specifically related to the fitting on some of the 787s in its inventory. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the shimming of the fitting was improperly sized and did not meet specifications.
To address this issue, Boeing has taken the proactive step of inspecting and reworking all 90 Dreamliners in its inventory before they can be delivered to customers. The company estimates that it will take approximately two weeks to rectify each plane. Boeing has already notified its customers about the potential delays in the near-term deliveries.
Importantly, Boeing has clarified that the defect does not compromise the flight safety of the 787s already in service. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that it will withhold new airworthiness certificates for the 787 until the issue is satisfactorily resolved.
This is not the first time Boeing has faced production problems with its 787 Dreamliner planes. In the past year, the company uncovered several issues with the fuselage, such as gaps between surfaces and improper shimming. As a result, Boeing had to halt deliveries of the 787 multiple times to address these concerns and implement an FAA-approved modification plan.
These recurring production challenges have significantly hindered Boeing’s recovery from the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has considerably diminished both air travel demand and the market for new planes. The 787 Dreamliner, priced at approximately $250 million, represents one of Boeing’s most popular and profitable products.
Boeing is diligently working towards overcoming its production challenges and regaining customer confidence in its products. Alongside resolving the issues with the 787, the company is also dedicated to rebuilding trust in its 737 Max planes, which were grounded for nearly two years following two tragic accidents.
Despite this new defect, Boeing remains optimistic about its delivery projections, aiming to deliver between 70 and 80 Dreamliners this year. Additionally, the company has increased its 787 production rate from three to four planes per month.
