Boeing Says FAA Approved Plan to Test 787 Battery System

The Boeing Co. said Tuesday that the FAA has approved the company’s plan to test and certify improvements to the 787’s battery system.

"Our top priority is the integrity of our products and the safety of the passengers and crews who fly on them," said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney in a statement Tuesday. "Our team has been working around the clock to understand the issues and develop a solution based on extensive analysis and testing following the events that occurred in January. Today's approval from the FAA is a critical and welcome milestone toward getting the fleet flying again and continuing to deliver on the promise of the 787," he said.  

The 787 has been grounded since January because of a battery fire onboard an aircraft.

The FAA also gave Boeing permission to begin flight test activities on two airplanes: “Line number 86, which will conduct tests to demonstrate that the comprehensive set of solutions work as intended in flight and on the ground; and ZA005, which is scheduled to conduct engine improvement tests unrelated to the battery issue,” the company said.

You can read the company’s full statement here.