Breaking: FAA Approves Boeing 787 Battery System Changes

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a statement today (19 April 2013) that says the agency has approved the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's troubled battery system design changes. This milestone should allow the airliner to return to flight.

According to the FAA, "The changes are designed to address risks at the battery cell level, the battery level and the aircraft level."

There will be instructions issued to airline operators of the Dreamliner next week outlining the required changes to the 787 needed before the fleet is allowed back in service. "The FAA will require airlines that operate the 787 to install containment and venting systems for the main and auxiliary system batteries, and to replace the batteries and their chargers with modified components," according to today's statement. The agency also emphasized that any return to service of the modified 787 will only take place after the FAA accepts the work.