oversight

Boeing Knew of Battery Problems

Ten batteries were replaced before recent incidents.

Secrets don't make friends, Boeing. Earlier this month all Boeing 787 jets were grounded after battery failures led to unsafe conditions--and apparently Boeing was made aware of issues months earlier. All Nippon Airways, the biggest operator, told The New York Times that it had replaced 10 batteries already before the fires, and reported the issues to Boeing. They were not reported to safety regulators because no flights had been cancelled. The Transportation Safety Board says it will now include battery replacements in inquiries. Boeing officials said the battery issues suggested safeguards may have kicked in, and acknowledged the batteries weren't lasting. The incidents are being investigated.