TOKYO--Japanese air regulators are in the final stage of
reviewing a report by Boeing Co. (BA) detailing the testing of its
battery fixes for the 787 Dreamliner, the latest indication that
the grounding of the high-tech jet could end soon.
"We aren't seeing any particular problems" in the report on the
testing of the battery fixes, said Shigeru Takano, the head of the
Japanese transport ministry's regulatory team. But he added that
the ministry may seek additional safety measures before giving a
green light to the restarting of 787 flights.
Mr. Takano's team is responsible for Japanese approval of the
resumption of Dreamliner flights, suspended worldwide since January
after battery problems led to the emergency landing of one of the
aircraft.
Akihiro Ohta, the transport minister, said earlier in the day
that the team is reaching the last stage of its review of the
safety measures, without elaborating. Federal Aviation
Administration chief Michael Huerta, the head of the Japanese
regulator's U.S. counterpart, said earlier this week that he
expected a decision on lifting the grounding "very soon."
The comments follow an upbeat view expressed by Qatar Airways
chief executive Al Baker last week that his airline expects to have
four Boeing 787 Dreamliners flying by the end of April.
The high-tech jets owned by eight airlines worldwide have been
grounded since January after battery burning incidents on two
Boeing 787 Dreamliners operated by All Nippon Airways and Japan
Airlines Co. (9201.TO). The ANA-operated jet was forced to make an
emergency landing in southern Japan on Jan. 16.
Once the airplanes return to service, the two Japanese carriers
have said they will begin discussions with Boeing on compensation
for losses suffered as a result of the grounding.
Mr. Takano said the Japanese government may implement additional
safety steps for Japanese airlines in addition to the proposed
measures by Boeing if needed. He declined to give further
details.
The Nikkei reported that extra measures under consideration by
the ministry include the remote monitoring of battery data such as
voltages, more frequent battery inspections and the replacement of
non-problematic batteries after a certain period of time.
Japanese regulators are evaluating Boeing's report in
coordination with the FAA to decide whether the testing was
sufficient to ensure the aircraft's safety. The regulators have
already asked the aircraft maker to answer questions arising from
the report, Mr. Takano said.
Regulators in Japan and other countries are likely to follow the
FAA's lead in approving the Dreamliner's return to commercial
service.
Write to Yoshio Takahashi at yoshio.takahashi@dowjones.com
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