FAA Directive on Boeing 787 Inspections Could Disrupt Global Air Travel

The recent directive from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandating inspections of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft is set to significantly affect global air travel, potentially impacting over 18 million seats across approximately 64,000 flights worldwide in the next 30 days.

This directive follows a serious incident in March involving a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9, which experienced a sudden mid-air plunge that injured more than 50 passengers.

Inspection Requirements: The FAA’s directive focuses on inspecting the rocker switch caps and switch canover assemblies located at the back of the Captain’s and First Officer’s seats in certain Boeing 787-8, 9, and 10 models. This decision arises from five reported malfunctions, two of which are still under investigation.

Impact Analysis: According to data from Mabrian, the anticipated impact includes 92% of affected flights being operated by the 787-8 and 787-9 models. Specifically, 58% of compromised seats are on 787-9 aircraft, with over a third on 787-8 planes.

Affected Carriers: Notably impacted carriers include All Nippon Airways and Qatar Airways, as well as Hainan Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines. Other significant airlines that must adjust their schedules include Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, LATAM Airlines, and Air Europa.