Boeing said on Tuesday it would cut its 787 production rate as it works through a new production-related structural defect in its troubled twin-aisle airliner program.
See also: FAA slows Boeing 777X certification.
The company now forecasts delivering fewer than half of the lingering 100 or so 787s in its inventory this year – instead of the “vast majority” it had expected – as it continues forensic inspections and costly repairs to address quality flaws in the aircraft.
Boeing did not disclose a new production rate for the 787 program, but said it would shift temporarily below the current rate of five jets per month.
See also: Air France-KLM in talks with Boeing and Airbus for mega order aircraft.
The latest new issue, first reported by Reuters on Monday, involved gaps where components are joined together in a forward pressure bulkhead, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said.
The FAA said late on Monday that Boeing, which spotted the problem, would fix it before the planes are delivered.
“We will continue to take the necessary time to ensure Boeing airplanes meet the highest quality prior to delivery.”
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