Boeing confirms new 787 battery incident

1/14/2014

Boeing is confirming an incident with a battery on a Japan Airlines 787, in a reminder of the problems that grounded the plane for three months last year.

Boeing says it appears that a single battery cell “vented,” or released gas. It was discovered during scheduled maintenance on the ground at Tokyo’s Narita airport today. No passengers were on board.

Boeing says changes to the 787’s lithium ion battery after last year’s problems appear to have worked as designed. The changes include a tougher box to hold the battery, and measures to contain any short-circuit or fire.

Boeing is working with Japan Airlines to get the plane flying again.

A U.S. spokeswoman for Japan Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.