Boeing’s 777 at Risk of Fuel-Tank Explosion as US Urges Fix
- Planemaker issued a service bulletin to operators last year
- FAA says 282 jets need inspections, potential repairs
A nearly completed Boeing 777 reaches the end of a moving production line at the company's facility in Everett, Washington.
Photographer: Mike Kane/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Regulators are directing US operators of Boeing Co. 777 widebody jets to repair aircraft to address concerns about potential fuel-tank explosions, according to a filing Monday.
A proposed airworthiness directive from the US Federal Aviation Administration calls for operators to inspect the jets and install Teflon sleeves and cap fasteners to certain parts of the center, left and right main fuel tanks, according to the filing. The order would apply to 282 aircraft, the FAA said.