Boeing seeks beacon checks on up to 1,200 jets

Emergency beacons have come under scrutiny following fire on parked Dreamliner

A Boeing 787 in the hangar at Dublin Airport where it was unveiled to the Irish media last year. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons/The Irish Times
A Boeing 787 in the hangar at Dublin Airport where it was unveiled to the Irish media last year. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons/The Irish Times

Boeing has asked airlines to inspect up to 1,200 aircraft across their fleets to gather data on Honeywell emergency beacons that have come under scrutiny following a fire on a parked 787 Dreamliner two weeks ago.

The blaze caused serious damage to the jet owned by Ethiopian Airlines at London’s Heathrow on July 12th.

Between 1,100 and 1,200 Boeing aircraft of all sizes have been fitted with the beacons. But Boeing is asking that airlines inspect as many as possible and report back within 10 days to help regulators decide what action to take, if any.

“Boeing is asking specific operators of 717, Next-Generation 737, 747-400, 767 and 777s to inspect aircraft with the Honeywell fixed emergency locator transmitters,” a Boeing spokesman said. – (Reuters)