Each time that Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) claims that some problem with its 787 Dreamliner is an anomaly, another problem occurs. With each new turn, the question of whether the 787 is safe for flight arises again. And other problems have occurred recently.

The most pressing issue with the aircraft now is its power panel and generators. The Wall Street Journal reports:

But the electrical system is more critical to the operation of the Dreamliner than on previous Boeing aircraft. The Dreamliner’s design eliminates a hot and hard-to-maintain system that transferred hot air from the engines to power many of the jet’s systems, in favor of a more heavily electrical design that powers such processes as starting the jet’s engines, deicing the wings and operating the cabin environmental system.

With each new report, both the flying public and carriers should become more skeptical about whether the 787’s issues are a sign of very severe flaws in the 787 design and assembly.

Airlines have become disenchanted, whether or note they believe that the plane’s needed repairs are a sign of deep design flaws.

The BBC reports:

The head of Qatar Airways has criticised Boeing over several manufacturing faults that have resulted in the grounding of one of its three 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Qatar’s grounded 787 has electrical problems similar to those in a United flight that was recently forced to have an emergency landing.

The risk that Boeing faces cancellations from carriers, or the payments of penalties, has spiked sharply.

The greatest two risks to Boeing are that there will be a bad accident involving one of the planes, or that the FAA or a similar agency in another nation will force the 787 out of service for a long period.

Boeing continues to trumpet its place as the aerospace sector’s greatest innovator:

Boeing sponsored an Innovation Summit that featured a curated program of keynotes from industry and government leaders, “disruptor sessions” with cutting-edge innovators, and panel discussions focused on U.S. competitiveness, advanced manufacturing, and energy innovation.

Boeing is better off spending the money on eliminating flaws in the 787, before the plane has a really serious accident.

Douglas A. McIntyre

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