The US Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into manufacturing issues that could affect some Boeing 787s, as ANA confirms that Boeing asked it to ground one 787-10. “The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating manufacturing flaws affecting certain Boeing 787 jetliners,” says the FAA. “The agency continues to engage with Boeing. It is too early to speculate about the nature or extent of any proposed Airworthiness Directives that might arise from the agency’s investigation.” In late August, Boeing ordered that eight recently-built 787s be removed from service because of two “distinct manufacturing issues". A Wall Street Journal report, citing an internal FAA memo, says US regulators are reviewing lapses in quality control at the company’s Charleston factory. The two issues appear to be “nonconforming” rear fuselage sections, as well as how the company produces shims for the 787 at Charleston. Reports have suggested that the issue relates to aircraft produced at Charleston in 2019, although Boeing is apparently assessing the entire 787 fleet. All Nippon Airways (ANA) has removed one Boeing 787-10 from service following an advisory from Boeing. The aircraft bears the registration JA901A (MSN 62685), according to the airline. ANA did not cite the specific circumstances related to JA901A’s service withdrawal. “We have been notified of the situation by our valued partner Boeing and immediately removed the one aircraft dedicated to international flights from service,” says ANA. “As the launch partner of the 787 and operator of the largest 787 fleet in the world, we will work with our partners and regulators to develop a solution. While we are still assessing the situation, with the reduced market demand for global destinations, this aircraft doesn’t need to be returned to service immediately.” According to data, JA901A was handed over to the airline on 30 June 2019. The jet was placed in storage on 16 August 2020. The carrier has one other 787-10, JA900A (62684), that is listed as in service. Overall, ANA’s 787 fleet comprises 64 787s, of which 13 are in storage. In addition, it has orders for 12 additional -10s and nine -9s. Vietnam Airlines, which operates 11 787-9s and four 787-10s, says it contacted Boeing upon learning about the structural issue. “We contacted Boeing regarding this matter,” says Vietnam Airlines. “Boeing confirmed that the issues were found on eight airplanes which initiated a continued operational safety program and safety determination. None of these planes is within Vietnam Airlines.” Of its four 787-10s, three examples were delivered in 2019. Cirium fleets data lists its entire 787 fleet as in service. FlightGlobal has yet to receive comment from other Asia-Pacific 787 operators. Boeing’s initial grounding order, first disclosed by The Air Current, related to eight 787 aircraft operated by Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada.

Source: Cirium

A New York district bankruptcy court will consider whether to approve LATAM Airlines' request to purchase four Airbus narrowbodies and related engines from lessors. LATAM outlined the aircraft it intends to purchase in a 2 September filing. The court plans to consider that request, among other aspects of its reorganisation plan, during a hearing scheduled for 23 September. The aircraft include Airbus A319s and related IAE engines from four lessors: Ype Leasing Limited, Jatobá Leasing Limited, Pau Brasil Leasing Limited and Mogno Leasing Limited. The court also recently approved LATAM and Figueira Leasing Limited to extend a leasing agreement until 31 October. LATAM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the USA on 26 May.

Source: Cirium

A bilateral safety agreement between European and Chinese aviation regulators came into effect on 1 September, paving the way for simpler evaluation and certification processes for airframers of the two regions. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency says it held a joint meeting with its Chinese counterparts on 3 September, where both parties adopted technical implementation procedures, which are meant to support the safety agreement. “These administrative and technical procedures describe in detail how EASA and [Civil Aviation Administration of China] will conduct the validation and reciprocal acceptance of civil aeronautical product approvals,” the agency adds. In May last year, both the EU and China signed the agreement, which aims to “support worldwide trade in aircraft and related products” by removing “unnecessary duplication” of evaluation and certification activities by respective authorities.
The deal will also promote co-operation between the EU and China towards a “high level” of civil aviation safety and environmental compatibility. The CAAC hailed the “new stage of co-operation” between China and Europe. The signing has created a “clear path for cooperation between authorities and industrial enterprises” of both regions, allowing for the “mutual recognition of civil aviation productions” from both China and the EU. Chinese airframer, Comac has been pushing for EASA certification for its C919 narrowbody program in recent years, with Chinese premier Li Keqiang visiting his German counterpart in 2017 to call on Germany to help with the securing of type certification. ATR, meanwhile, has embarked on flight testing to obtain Chinese type certification on its ATR 42-600 turboprop.

Source: Cirium