Airlines

Boeing temporarily halts deliveries of 787 Dreamliner jets

The latest setback for the renowned widebody program of the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing Co. has halted deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner due to a documentation problem with a fuselage component.

According to a statement released by the aircraft manufacturer on Thursday, the issue is the result of a supplier’s flawed study of the forward pressure bulkhead of the 787. Boeing reported the authority after seeing the issue in certification documents submitted to the US Federal Aviation Administration.

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According to Boeing, the issue was found just a week ago. “There are no urgent safety or flight concerns for the in-service fleet,” according to the airline. “Although near-term deliveries will be impacted, we do not expect to change our production and delivery projection for the year at this time.”

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that due to a documentation problem, Boeing had not handed over a Dreamliner since January 26 either from the assembly line or among the dozens of aircraft held in storage for delivery. Following the disclosure, Boeing shares dropped 2.6% in after-hours trade after closing up just over 1%.

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According to Cai von Rumohr, an analyst at Cowen & Co., the most recent delivery halt is probably only going to be a temporary problem. In a note to clients, von Rumohr stated, “Our understanding is that the problem is a ‘non-compliance’ with FAA documentation standards and not a ‘non-conformance’ with a production specification. The supplier was named as Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. most likely.

Deliveries won’t start up again until the FAA is satisfied that the problem has been solved, it was stated in a separate statement. The FAA and Boeing are collaborating to determine any necessary steps for recently delivered aircraft.

Since Boeing uncovered manufacturing faults in the carbon-fiber fuselage components, the 787 has experienced production problems. Although it caused lengthy delays in deliveries, it was not deemed a safety risk and planes in operation continued to fly.

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Airlines

Qantas Engineers Stage Walkout Over Cost of Living Concerns

Tensions at Qantas reached new heights as base maintenance workers in Brisbane walked out of a hangar meeting hosted by the airline’s CEO, Vanessa Hudson.

The walkout was a clear display of displeasure and aimed to send a strong message to the company’s management about the growing frustrations within the workforce. The workers, represented by the Qantas Engineers Alliance, have been pushing for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living.

In an open display of displeasure, Qantas Base maintenance workers walked out of a hangar meet hosted by the CEO Vanessa Hudson in Brisbane, also aimed to send a message to the management.

Qantas Engineers Alliance members have been demanding decent wage increases to match with… pic.twitter.com/y9EVjc46VM— FL360aero (@fl360aero) September 14, 2024

Despite ongoing discussions, the employees feel that their concerns have been overlooked, leading to this public show of dissent. The hangar meeting, meant to foster dialogue and address employee concerns, instead became the stage for a visible demonstration of dissatisfaction as the workers exited in unison.

For some time, the engineers and maintenance staff have expressed frustration over wage stagnation amid increasing inflation and living costs. Their demand is simple: a decent and fair wage adjustment that keeps pace with economic realities. The walkout underscores the workers’ determination to stand firm on their request for better pay and fair treatment.

As Qantas navigates its recovery post-pandemic, this incident highlights the growing internal challenges the airline faces, especially concerning its workforce. The maintenance staff’s actions have put additional pressure on the company’s leadership to address the wage concerns and avoid further escalation.