Air India 787 crash amid FAA ADs and widebody inspection mandates
Key Questions
What caused the Air India 787 crash involving flight AI171?
Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787, crashed on June 30 in Ahmedabad with 242 people aboard. Investigations are focusing on software issues alongside FAA NPRM-3471 and airworthiness directives (ADs).
Why is a nearly new Boeing 787-8 being scrapped after just 13 hours of flight?
The Boeing 787-8 registered N947BA is being dismantled at Roswell International Air Center for spare parts, valued at over $50 million. This is due to shortages of GEnx engines and high demand for parts amid production delays.
What is the current status of Boeing 787 deliveries?
Boeing delivered around 22 787s in Q1, with plans to ramp up to 90-100 deliveries. The company faces a backlog of approximately 1,058 aircraft.
Which airlines are placing large orders for Boeing 787s?
Korean Air ordered 25 787-10s, Sun Phu Quoc 40 787s, with interest from Air Cambodia, Vietnam Airlines, Indian carriers worth $80-100 billion, and Biman Bangladesh. These orders highlight strong widebody demand.
What is the significance of the FAA certification for increased payload on the Boeing 787?
The FAA has certified the Boeing 787, the world's best-selling widebody, for an increased maximum takeoff weight (iMTOW) of +10,000 lbs. This enhances payload capacity and operational flexibility.
How has Boeing responded to the Air India 787 crash?
Boeing is in contact with Air India and ready to provide full support following the Ahmedabad crash. This comes amid ongoing FAA investigations into Boeing's production practices in South Carolina.
What challenges is Boeing facing with the 787 program?
Boeing faces safety and production challenges, including FAA probes and airworthiness directives. Parts shortages, like GEnx engines, are leading to scrapping low-hour aircraft for components.
What confirms the strong demand for widebody aircraft like the 787?
Orders from Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, and GE's GEnx/GE9X engine strength underscore widebody demand. Governments like Bangladesh are advancing Boeing purchases alongside leasing strategies.
AI171 787 crash Jun30 Ahmedabad 242 aboard, probes/software +FAA NPRM-3471/ADs; N947BA 787-8 scrapped Roswell 13hrs/$50M+ parts GEnx shortages; Q122 delvs/90-100 ramp/bk1058; Korean25x787-10/Sun Phu40x787/Air Cambodia/Vietnam/India $80-100B/Biman; iMTOW+10k; GE GEnx/GE9X strength Cathay/Qatar/Korean confirms widebody demand.