Boeing Earns 330 Minute ETOPS Certification For 787

The Boeing Company says the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved additional extended operations (ETOPS) for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on 28 May 2014. The action will permit 787s to be operated up to 330 minutes from a landing field, according to the manufacturer.

Dreamliners have been allowed to operate up to 180 minutes away from a landing field since they were introduced into service in 2011, according to Boeing. Granting of the expanded operational permission will allow airlines to introduce additional routes after they meet the proof of capabilities requirements and receive approval from their own regulatory agencies for such operations.

The model has proven as popular as it has controversial. Beset by delays and technical issues, more than 1,030 787s have been ordered by 60 customers to date. The plane builder says it has delivered 146 Dreamliners to 19 customers.