Boeing has again halted deliveries of 787s after it discovered an “analysis error” by a supplier related to the aircraft’s forward pressure bulkhead. “In reviewing certification records, Boeing discovered an analysis error by our supplier related to the 787 forward pressure bulkhead,” states the manufacturer. “We notified the [US Federal Aviation Administration] and have paused 787 deliveries while we complete the required analysis and documentation.” The issue was discovered within the past week. Boeing adds that there is no immediate safety concern for the in-service fleet of 787s, and production of the type is continuing as normal. Spirit AeroSystems supplies the forward pressure bulkhead for the 787 and has been approached for comment. Boeing says that while near-term deliveries will be impacted, the latest issue “is not expected to increase airplane rework”, and it does not anticipate any change to previous guidance that it plans to deliver 70-80 787s this year. “We are communicating with our customers and will continue to follow the lead of the FAA,” the manufacturer adds. Boeing resumed deliveries of 787s in August 2022 following a 10-month hiatus after the FAA raised concerns about its proposed method of inspecting aircraft that had identified quality issues relating to gaps in the forward pressure bulkhead.
That saw the backlog of built but undelivered 787s swell to around 100 aircraft, most of which were planned to be delivered this year following re-work. Boeing has indicated that it plans to raise production of new 787s to five per month by the end of 2023, and then to 10 per month in 2025-26. Data shows that the airframer has 575 787s on order, including aircraft that have already been built and not yet delivered, and options for a further 249.

IAG chief executive Luis Gallego has responded to a question about potential takeover interest in TAP Air Portugal by saying that the group "will explore any options that will make the group stronger". During a call on 2022 results, Gallego said IAG's Air Europa takeover "does not stop us doing other possible M&As" and that "this group has always been a platform for consolidation". The Portuguese government is set to reveal a plan for TAP's privatisation over the coming months, having reportedly carried out pre-market assessments of interest. TAP was majority-nationalised amid the pandemic in 2020. There has been speculation that TAP could also become a takeover target for Lufthansa and Air France-KLM. Ben Smith, Air France-KLM's chief executive, recently observed that TAP's Brazilian routes were "extremely powerful for us". He added that AF-KLM's intention to pay back government assistance over the coming months would enable it to return to M&A activity.

Ethiopian Airlines plans to launch a new service between Addis Ababa and New York JFK airport via Abidjan on 29 May.
The route will be operated four times per week using a Boeing 787-8, the African carrier says. Ethiopian first started serving New York from Addis Ababa via Abidjan in June 2019, however, the route was suspended in March 2020 due to Covid-19. The carrier resumed serving New York via Lome in October 2020. The airline currently operates to more than 130 international passenger and cargo destinations from Addis Ababa. It will also commence a new passenger service to Atlanta from 16 May 2023.