Boeing spokesman Marc Birtel said Saturday that
Boeing issued the advisory after ice crystal formation in some
instances diminished engine performance. Airlines with planes
affected include United, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa and Air
India. Models affected are the 747-8 and the 787, which Boeing
Co. calls the Dreamliner.
"To reduce chances of ice crystal conditions, Boeing recommends
that operators fly at least 50 nautical miles from thunderstorms
that may contain ice crystals," Boeing said in its statement.
The advisory covers Boeing planes with General Electric Co.'s
GEnx engine. In its statement, Boeing said that GE is "working
diligently" to deal with the issue and that corrective changes
"will be introduced into the fleet as soon as they are
available."
It's the latest problem to confront the 787. Earlier this year,
the 787 was grounded after two planes suffered from smoldering
batteries. Flights resumed after Boeing redesigned the battery
system.
[Associated
Press; MARTIN CRUTSINGER, AP Economics Writer]
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