The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) recent directive requiring inspections of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft is expected to have a wide-ranging impact on flights, according to data from Mabrian.
The global travel intelligence platform estimates more than 18 million seats across around 64,000 flights worldwide will be affected over the next 30 days.
Airlines such as All Nippon Airways, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Europa may be affected. These airlines, among others, will face significant challenges, potentially leading to global travel disruptions.
Disruptions Arising from FAA Boeing 787 Directive
According to the global travel intelligence platform, Mabrian, more than 18 million seats in over 64,000 flights worldwide programmed for the next 30 days could be potentially affected by the mandated inspections.
The FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to 895 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in operation worldwide. It was brought into effect following a March incident involving a sudden mid-air plunge of a LATAM Airlines’ Boeing 787-9. The inflight incident resulted in injuries to over 50 passengers.
The AD requires operators to carry out inspections of the Captain’s and First Officer’s seats of certain Boeing 787-8, -9, and -10 airplanes currently in service.
It relates to potentially loose or non-functional rocker switch caps or switch canover assemblies on the back of the pilots’ seats. This malfunction is allegedly behind five similar reports, two still under investigation.
Predicted Impact
Mabrian, part of The Data Appeal Company, has estimated the impact of this aircraft recall. Their findings are based on the analysis of the scheduled flights and seats in programmed routes for the next month.
Data shows that over 64,000 flights, equivalent to slightly more than 18 million seats, could be compromised. Of this number, 92% of such flights are scheduled in 787-8 and 787-9 models.
In terms of availability, 58% of total seats affected are scheduled in 787-9 aircraft. Over a third are in 787-8 planes.
Carlos Cendra, Partner and Director of Marketing and Communications at Mabrian offered further comment.
“This mandatory inspection will not imply to land all planes at the same time. Airlines have 30 days to complete it and fix any malfunction. However, it will pose a massive challenge in an already tight summer and post-summer schedule. This could cause delays and cancellations worldwide.”
All Nippon Airways and Qatar Airways Most Affected
Mabrian has assessed the carriers potentially the most affected by the FAA’s new Boeing 787 directive. They include All Nippon Airways and Qatar Airways, as well as Hainan Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines.
Among the list of the airlines that may have to manage their schedules in the next month to perform this mandatory inspection include Asian carriers such as Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and China Southern Airlines.
Airlines catering to Middle East and Asia long-haul routes, such as Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines are also potentially affected.
Carriers that connect America and Europe, in particular, United Airlines, as well as American Airlines, Air Canada, LATAM Airlines, and Air Europa, may will also be forced to re-organize seats and flights in the coming 30 days.
Sources: Mabrian travel intelligence: seats availability on scheduled flights (one-way) from August 20th to September 20th, 2024 in Boeing 787-8, 9, and –10 airplanes
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