On Monday Boeing requested permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct tests on the Boeing 787, using a series of test flights. The next generation aircraft has been grounded for weeks as engineers try to isolate the problem which is causing the lithium batteries to overheat.

Boeing needs to solve this problem quickly, because European competitor Airbus is raking in the orders while Boeing’s $200 million aircraft remains parked around the world. Just this week, Airbus inked a $9 billion order for 39 planes, most of which are for the Airbus 350. This is the airplane which was designed to compete with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is due out sometime in 2014, but an item worth noting is the new Airbus aircraft is also designed to use lithium batteries as well.

Engineers at Airbus are closely monitoring the situation to see if their aircraft design needs to be altered. If a problem with the lithium batteries is discovered they may need to delay the A350 aircraft to make the necessary modifications.

Another reality that Airbus is facing is increased scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration when the A350 rolls out. Normally new aircraft are approved for service in a quick fashion, but with the bad public image the FAA now has for approving Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner by using Boeing’s own engineers to conduct the required certification tests, it’s a forgone conclusion the next round of certification for any new design will be extensive.

For now, the $200 million Boeing 787 remains grounded. What once was touted as the aircraft of the future now serves as the most expensive billboard in history. The airlines who rushed to get in early on the Dreamliner craze by submitting their orders early are now losing millions of dollars in revenue as the planes remain parked.

Here is a list of airlines which have Boeing 787 Dreamliners:


Air India (6)

All Nippon Airways/Japan (17)

Ethiopian Airlines (4)

Japan Airlines (7)

LAN Airlines/Chile (3)

Lot Polish Airlines (2)

Qatar Airways (5)

United Airlines (6)


Total in Service (50)