Japanese and U.S. aviation authorities have launched investigations into a recent series of glitches, including fuel leaks, with Boeing Co.'s latest midsize aircraft, the 787.
Are there fears these small problems could lead to a serious accident? Safety must be the top priority. Authorities in both countries must conduct exhaustive investigations to determine the cause of the faults.
Japanese Transport Ministry Vice Minister Hiroshi Kajiyama said the grounding was for an indefinite period, and India's aviation regulator said it was unclear when the aircraft would be back in service. A spokesman for the European Aviation Safety Agency said the region would follow the U.S. grounding order. Poland's LOT Airlines is the only European airline currently operating the 787.
Boeing said in a statement it was confident the 787 was safe and it stood by the plane's integrity.
"Boeing is committed to supporting the FAA and finding answers as quickly as possible. The company is working around the clock with its customers and the various regulatory and investigative authorities. We will make available the entire resources of The Boeing Company to assist," Chief Executive Jim McNerney said.
