The grounding this week of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliners set off a worldwide chain reaction as aviation authorities followed the lead of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA ordered U.S. carriers to take the aircraft out of service while investigators complete a thorough review. The decision comes after several mechanical issues, including a battery-related fire aboard a Japan Airlines Dreamliner in Boston and an emergency landing of an ANA Dreamliner in Japan.
After the FAA’s directive, Boeing chairman, president and CEO Jim McNerney emphasized the company’s commitment to safety.
“The safety of passengers and crew members who fly aboard Boeing airplanes is our highest priority,” McNerney said. “Boeing is committed to supporting the FAA and finding answers as quickly as possible. We are confident the 787 is safe and we stand behind its overall integrity.”
While the grounding may concern some travelers, members of Global Traveler’s Globility Board — a panel of frequent flyers that reflects the magazine’s readership — responded calmly and pragmatically.
“The FAA and Boeing are being extra cautious,” said Benjamin DeLee. “Such bumps are to be expected with a new plane. It will not affect any immediate travel plans, and I will have no qualms about flying on the plane when it’s cleared.”
Tom Linhard of Denver, Colorado, expressed disappointment, particularly after earlier delivery delays for the Dreamliner, but added that the grounding was “not totally unexpected given the complexity of the aircraft.”
Linhard, a frequent United Airlines flyer — the only U.S. carrier operating the Dreamliner at the time — said he hopes the technical problems will be resolved quickly. He is eager for United’s planned late-March launch of non-stop Dreamliner service between Denver and Tokyo.
Steven White, vice president of sales and marketing at Kuhn Rikon Corp., flew last week from Houston to Los Angeles on a United Dreamliner and shared his impressions.
“The plane was quiet; the lighting and larger windows were definitely an improvement,” White said. “The flight took place during some of the issues, but it was full and the trip was without incident. As far as my future travel plans, I look forward to flying again on the 787.”