In a recent development, Boeing has initiated an investigation into a new quality problem concerning its 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The issue revolves around the incorrect installation of hundreds of fasteners on the fuselages of some undelivered jets. Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that over 900 fasteners per plane, distributed evenly on both sides of the jet's mid-body, have been improperly torqued at a Boeing facility.
While there are currently no concerns regarding flight safety, Boeing is actively looking into the root cause of the problem. Once the investigation is complete, the company will determine the extent of any necessary rework. Boeing stated that this quality concern has minimal to no impact on deliveries and affirmed that the in-service fleet of 787 Dreamliners can operate safely.
The Federal Aviation Administration has been informed about the situation, although it has yet to provide a response. Following the news, Boeing's stock initially dipped 1.7%, recovering to a flat position later on. This development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Boeing by regulators and customers, sparked by a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines-operated 737 MAX.
The manufacturing oversight was detected at Boeing's South Carolina plant, particularly in the area where the 787's carbon-composite skin is attached to longerons within the fuselage sections. Sources indicated that the affected fasteners were incorrectly torqued from the head side instead of the associated nut. Notably, in January, Boeing had issued a bulletin to suppliers outlining practices to ensure proper torquing procedures following inspections of grounded 737 MAX 9 aircraft post a fuselage panel blowout incident.
As Boeing continues to address these quality issues with transparency and collaboration with stakeholders, the focus remains on ensuring that all aircraft meet the company's stringent delivery standards before being handed over to customers.