Boeing Looking Into 787 Fire Suppression Fault

The latest “issue” affecting the Boeing 787 has the manufacturer investigating improper installation of a component associated with its engine fire suppression system. Japan’s All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines on Wednesday each reported problems with at least one of their 787s that, in ANA’s case, delayed a flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Frankfurt for an hour and 42 minutes Wednesday morning. After receiving word about the ANA incident, JAL decided to inspect its entire 787 fleet and abort a flight en route to Helsinki and return it to Tokyo Narita. The airline re-accommodated the 183 passengers on another 787 some 7 hours and 15 minutes after the original departure time.

Subsequently, ANA said it found similar problems with two more of its 19 Dreamliners. As of yesterday, JAL’s inspection of three of its ten 787s revealed no further defects. According to JAL, in the event of a fire in one engine, the improper installation could have resulted in the discharge of fire suppressant to the wrong engine.

Contacted for comment, Boeing would only confirm its awareness of the issue and its participation in the probe into the incidents. “The safety of those flying on Boeing airplanes is our top priority,” it said. “We will thoroughly examine this issue and take the appropriate steps.”