Boeing to stick with lithium
Since batteries on two Boeing 787 jets caught fire or emitted smoke last month, Airbus has dropped plans to use the technology on its forthcoming wide-body jet, the A350-XWB, to avoid production delays. But Boeing, which has much more at stake, will stick with the batteries and is working with regulators on how to reduce the risks even if the cause of the hazards is not clearly found.
To some extent, Boeing's bravado reflects a sense among battery experts that they have narrowed down the ways that the batteries could fail. That then increases the chances that a handful of changes may eventually provide enough assurance that the batteries will be safe to use.
Analysts said the cost to Airbus of making the switch was likely to be minimal. "This seems like the thoroughly sensible thing to do," said Nick Cunningham, an aerospace industry analyst at Agency Partners.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
According to the article, lithium-ion batteries on two Boeing 787 jets either caught fire or emitted smoke last month, prompting safety reviews and industry attention.
Airbus dropped plans to use lithium-ion batteries on its forthcoming A350‑XWB to avoid potential production delays after the incidents involving batteries on Boeing 787 jets.
The article says Boeing will stick with lithium-ion batteries because it has a lot at stake and is working with regulators to reduce risks, even though the exact cause of the hazards has not been clearly found.
Battery experts cited in the article believe they have narrowed down the ways the batteries could fail, which increases the chance that a relatively small set of changes could provide enough assurance of safety.
Boeing is working with regulators on how to reduce the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, as noted in the article, even while the precise cause of the incidents remains unclear.
Analysts quoted in the article said the cost to Airbus of making the switch was likely to be minimal, with one aerospace analyst calling the decision 'thoroughly sensible.'
Per the article, Airbus's decision to drop the batteries was intended to avoid production delays, while Boeing is trying to address risks with regulators so it can continue using the technology without changing production plans.
The article suggests investors should watch regulatory updates, manufacturer decisions on battery technology, and any announcements about safety fixes or production impacts—since Airbus moved away from the batteries to prevent delays while Boeing is pursuing risk-reduction with regulators.
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