NEW YORK: A Boeing Co 787 Dreamliner took to the sky yesterday in the first of two flights aimed at showing that the plane’s new lithium-ion battery system meets regulatory safety standards, a key step toward ending a two-month, worldwide grounding of the high-tech jet.
The Federal Aviation Administration and other regulators grounded the Dreamliner in mid-January after batteries overheated on two separate aircraft.
Resuming flights would be a huge boost for Boeing, which is losing an estimated $50m a week while the 787 is grounded, and for airlines, which are barred from flying the 787.
Boeing also is prevented from delivering the planes to customers during the grounding, though it continues to build them.
Some Boeing officials have said the jet could be back in service by May 1. But some experts cautioned it could take longer.
The first test flight took off at approximately 12.11pm Pacific time from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, on a two-hour mission designed to validate that all systems on the plane are working as designed. Video of the event showed the jet, with LOT Polish Airlines livery, soaring in a clear sky with snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Once data from the flight has been analyzed, Boeing said it would prepare for a ground and flight demonstration aimed at certifying the company’s proposed changes to the battery system, a key step toward getting permission from the FAA to resume flights of the grounded plane.
REUTERS
