Boeing 787 Dreamliner deliveries slowed by quality concerns

Boeing said Tuesday that it expected deliveries of its popular 787 Dreamliner to be delayed as it and the FAA look into quality control concerns with the plane, a wide-body jet capable of carrying hundreds of passengers long distances. Last month, the company said it had grounded eight planes already in service for inspection and repair after finding that it had fallen short of its manufacturing standards. On Tuesday, Boeing said it had identified another failure to abide by its own guidelines during production of a horizontal stabilizer, though it said there was no immediate safety risk. “We are taking time to thoroughly inspect completed 787s to ensure that they are free of the issues and meet all engineering specifications prior to delivery,” the company said. “We expect these inspections to affect the timing of 787 deliveries in the near-term.” Boeing said the new problem stemmed from excess force in assembling components of the stabilizer at its Salt Lake City facility and could affect the part’s life span. A total of 893 airplanes are believed to be affected, the company said, and it is examining whether repairs are needed on any jets now in service. The FAA is also investigating the company for manufacturing flaws related to the plane. “The agency continues to engage with Boeing,” the agency said on Monday. “It is too early to speculate about the nature or extent of any proposed airworthiness directives that might arise.”<br/>