Leeham News and Analysis
There's more to real news than a news release.
Leeham News and Analysis
- Does an A220-500 need a new wing and engines? Part 4. July 3, 2025
- GE testing of giant GE9X engine aims for maturity at entry into service June 30, 2025
- Bjorn’s Corner: Air Transport’s route to 2050. Part 28. June 27, 2025
- Parent agency, FAA often at odds as politics outweighs safety June 26, 2025
- Electric Flight and the Ugly Duckling June 25, 2025
Odds and Ends: NTSB on 787 Certification; SPEEA countdown
NTSB on 787 Certification: There were a number of small but important news items to come out of the press briefing Thursday from the National Transportation Safety Board were several references to examining the certification involving the batteries… Read More
Putting perspective on the 787
Update: The Wall Street Journal has a long article (subscription required) discussing the problem and the possibility the FAA could release the 787s for service if it approves interim steps designed by Boeing. It also has this illustration:… Read More
Thoughts about the FAA-Boeing 787 program review
Here is the Airworthiness Directive. As the Boeing 787 problems evolve from annoying, in-service teething issues into a fire, a full program review by the Federal Aviation Administration, a second battery issue and now a grounding, the program… Read More
FAA grounds 787; first since DC-10
The US Federal Aviation Administration grounded all US-registered Boeing 787. There are only six–all operated by United Airlines–but equivalent regulators typically follow the lead, though they don’t have to. This is the first ground of a US-made commercial… Read More
A380 has, A350 will have lithium-ion batteries
Focus on the Boeing 787’s mishap last Monday comes, naturally, on the fire involving the lithium-ion battery. The battery, or Li-ion for short, is considered hazardous in many applications and in air cargo shipping. Two Boeing 747-400 cargo… Read More
FAA launches 787 system review
The Federal Aviation Administration today launched a review of the Boeing 787’s electrical system. We start our coverage with a running synopsis of the press conference at 9:30am ET. Presenting are Michael Huerta, director of the FAA (MH);… Read More
Federal 787 review adds new dimension to Boeing-SPEEA talks
The formal Federal Aviation Administration review adds a new dimension to the stalled contract talks between Boeing and its engineers’ union, SPEEA. Talks Thursday didn’t go well, with SPEEA issuing a short press release laste yesterday afternoon: SPEEA… Read More
FAA, Boeing 787 review press conference 9:30am ET
MORE to come….
787 electrical system review to be ordered: Seattle Times
Late Thursday night, The Seattle Times reported that the FAA will on Friday order a full electrical system review of the Boeing 787. The story is here. Jon Ostrower has this short report. Here is a long report… Read More
Perspective on 787 Boston incident
Update: Wall Street Journal reporting United Airlines found mis-wired battery following inspections in wake of JAL 787 fire. Update, 1215 PM PT: Boeing issued this statement regarding the fire incident: “Regarding yesterday’s event onboard a Japan Airlines (JAL)… Read More