More faults found in Boeing's 787 Dreamliners

The new issue adds to what's been a disastrous 12 months for Boeing.
The new issue adds to what's been a disastrous 12 months for Boeing. Photo credit: Getty Images

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing has been hit with yet another setback after US authorities discovered issues with the 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners' wheels and braking systems.

"Certain areas in the tire/wheel zones could be susceptible to damage, which could result in loss of braking on one of the main landing gear, loss of nose wheel steering, and loss of directional control on the ground," the Federal Aviation Administration said in an advisory. 

It applies to fewer than 100 Boeing Dreamliners currently in operation.

Just two days ago the FAA ruled further changes needed to be made to Boeing's 737 MAX jets, including all that have been currently grounded and some that are still flying.

The grounding was put in place after two of them crashed within weeks of leaving the Boeing factory. The incidents, involving Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines flights, killed 346 people.

The Dreamliner is operated by some of the most well-known airlines, including United, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, Air China, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand.

It's not known if Air NZ, which has a fleet of 787-9s and has just invested in 787-10s, will be affected. Newshub has contacted the airline for comment.

Read the full advisory from the FAA:


Financial estimates put the cost to airlines per aircraft at approximately US$5 million (NZ$7.5 million).

In addition to the changes, airlines must conduct detailed inspections of other parts of the Dreamliner aircraft too, following reports lightning strikes had caused dangerous hydraulic leakage.

Newshub.