Lithium-ion batteries commonly used in portable electronic devices, like cell phones, laptops and cameras, have commanded their share of attention in air transport, but it is the application of this technology in the Boeing 787 that has dominated aviation safety news for two months. As this issue of AeroSafety World is going to press, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Japan Transport Safety Board are continuing to investigate the two battery-related incidents that occurred on 787s operated by Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) in January. On March 12, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Boeing’s certification plan for a redesigned 787 battery system and the OEM started testing the system.
According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood: “This comprehensive series of tests will show us whether the proposed battery improvements will work as described. We won’t allow the plane to return to service unless we’re sa…
