New York: Boeing s currently investigating a new quality problem affecting its 787 Dreamliner fleet, following the discovery that hundreds of fasteners were incorrectly installed on the fuselages of several undelivered jets, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
The latest setback for the U.S. aerospace giant involves improper “torquing” or tightening of more than 900 fasteners per aircraft, evenly distributed on both sides of the mid-body section of the jets, the sources disclosed.
While there are no immediate flight safety concerns, Boeing is actively investigating the root cause of the issue. Once the investigation is complete, the company will determine the extent of any necessary rework, the sources said on condition of anonymity.
Responding to a query on Thursday, Boeing acknowledged the ongoing checks and assured that it anticipates minimal to no impact on delivery schedules, as reported by the international news agency Reuters.
“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 Boeing spokesperson stated.
“We are taking the time necessary to ensure all airplanes meet our delivery standards prior to delivery. We are working closely with our customers and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and keeping them updated.”
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker refrained from commenting directly on the fastener issue but indicated his upcoming visit to Boeing’s 787 facility in South Carolina on Friday, where he plans to engage with personnel.
Boeing’s stock initially dropped 1.7% before stabilizing to remain flat following the news.
The latest manufacturing flaw was identified at Boeing’s South Carolina plant, where the 787’s lightweight carbon-composite skin interfaces with structural supports known as longerons inside the fuselage sections.
According to sources, the incorrectly torqued fasteners were tightened from the wrong side, utilizing the head instead of the associated nut.
In January, Boeing issued guidelines to suppliers aimed at ensuring proper torquing practices, prompted by inspections conducted on 737 MAX 9 aircraft grounded after a mid-flight fuselage panel blowout incident.
Despite the quality issue, Boeing continues to deliver 787 aircraft, albeit at a slower pace following an earlier production slowdown unrelated to the current problem. FlightRadar24 data indicated a recent departure of a 787-10 model destined for a European customer on Wednesday.
Airlines remain concerned about ongoing delivery delays, with some customers reporting average delays extending several months.
