Boeing (BA) is investigating a new quality problem with its 787 Dreamliner after discovering that hundreds of fasteners have been incorrectly installed on the fuselages of some undelivered jets, according to sources familiar with the matter. The issue involves incorrect torquing of more than 900 fasteners per plane, split equally between both sides of the jet's mid-body. While there is no immediate concern about flight safety, Boeing is working to understand the cause of the problem and determine if any rework is needed once the investigation is complete.
Boeing confirmed the checks in response to a Reuters query and stated that the issue would have limited to no impact on deliveries. "Our 787 team is checking fasteners in the side-of-body area of some undelivered 787 Dreamliner airplanes to ensure they meet our engineering specifications. The in-service fleet can continue to safely operate," a spokesperson said. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also investigating and working closely with Boeing to ensure an immediate fix in the production system.
Market Overview:- Boeing investigates new quality problem with undelivered 787 Dreamliners.
- Over 900 fasteners per plane incorrectly torqued in Boeing's South Carolina plant.
- FAA working with Boeing to ensure immediate production system fix.
- No immediate flight safety concerns; Boeing assessing need for rework.
- 787 deliveries continue at a slower-than-usual rate following previous production issues.
- Shares of Boeing initially fell 1.7% before paring losses to be flat.
- Boeing's ongoing scrutiny from regulators and customers continues.
- Airlines face existing delivery delays with some buyers estimating several months' delays.
- FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker to visit Boeing's 787 plant in South Carolina on Friday.
The latest manufacturing flaw was discovered inside Boeing's South Carolina plant, where the 787's carbon-composite skin is attached to fuselage supports. The affected fasteners had been torqued from the wrong side, using the head instead of the nut. Despite this, tracking data confirmed that 787 deliveries are continuing. Airlines, however, remain concerned about existing delivery delays, estimating average delays of several months. The FAA is investigating and ensuring appropriate actions are taken to fix the issue in the production system.
