Workers work in the tail of a Boeing Dreamliner 787 on the production line at Boeing’s final assembly facility in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Travis Dove | Bloomberg | Getty Images
boeing on Tuesday warned of a new flaw in its 787 Dreamliner airliner that will delay deliveries of the maker’s latest production problem, the widebody plane.
“We are inspecting our inventory of 787 aircraft for non-conforming horizontal stabilizer attachments,” Boeing said in a statement. “Aircraft found to be in non-conforming condition will be refurbished prior to ticketing and delivery.”
The problem detected by Boeing is related to the small spacing of the horizontal stabilizers. Boeing said its aircraft could continue to operate regardless of flight safety. Boeing said the short-term delivery is expected to be delayed by about two weeks.
The issue is the latest in a series of manufacturing problems for Boeing aircraft, in the same way airlines are seeking new aircraft to capitalize on the travel boom, and won’t completely halt deliveries of certain aircraft. However, it is delayed.
Boeing suspended deliveries of some 787s for several weeks earlier this year after another problem with a fuselage component. The company said the latest issues do not affect Boeing’s full-year outlook for Dreamliner deliveries at this time. Boeing estimates it will deliver 70 to 80 aircraft this year.
The company also had to rework some of its best-selling 737 Max aircraft this year due to problems with the rear fuselage fittings on some of the aircraft. Spirit Aerosystems.
Boeing shares plunged on the news, but largely recovered, closing 0.7% at $207.29.