A set of improvements that will add extra safety features to the batteries are in production. New enclosures for 787 batteries also are being built and will be installed in airplanes in the weeks ahead.
These improvements will allow operators to resume commercial flights with 787s as soon as testing is complete and the Federal Aviation Administration and other international regulators grant final approval.
“As soon as our testing is complete and we obtain regulatory approvals, we will be positioned to help our customers implement these changes and begin the process of getting their 787s back in the air,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner said.
Battery system changes include changes to the battery itself, the battery-charging unit and the battery installation.
Air Cargo World spoke to airlines earlier this week about the 787 situation.