Boeing said 787s will keep rolling off the assembly line while it works to get the planes grounded by regulators back flying again.
Boeings newest, flashiest jet was grounded worldwide Thursday after one plane suffered a battery fire and another had an emergency landing because pilots detected a burning smell. The two incidents prompted airlines and regulators around the world to ground the planes until a fix for the battery problem is found that satisfies the Federal Aviation Administration.
Its not clear how long the investigation – or the fix – will take, but it wont be cheap for Boeing. Meanwhile, airlines that had sought the prestige of flying the worlds most sophisticated plane are instead stuck with one they cant use.
Polands airline LOT said Thursday it may seek compensation from Boeing Co. for the grounding of its two 787 Dreamliner planes. The airline suffered the highest-profile embarrassment of any of Boeings customers Wednesday night, when it was showing off new service between Warsaw and Chicago.
The planes captain learned of the FAA grounding order while the flight was on its way from Warsaw to Chicago. The airline had to cancel the return trip – and a ceremony at OHare that was to include airline officials and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Passengers who were eager to ride the airlines first flight back to Warsaw ended up looking for a hotel room instead.
Boeing currently builds five 787s every month. It hasnt delivered any since Jan. 3, before the first fire. Boeing Co. spokeswoman Lori Gunter said no deliveries were scheduled during that time. She declined to talk about planned deliveries.