[280213.EN.AIR] Boeing 'Close To Fixing Dreamliner Battery Problem' By Adding Space

US PLANE MAKER Boeing has found a way to fix battery problems on its grounded 787 Dreamliners that involves increasing the space between the lithium ion battery cells, a source familiar with company plans told Reuters.

"The gaps between cells will be bigger. I think that's why there was overheating," said the source, who declined to be identified because the plans are private.

A spokeswoman from the US National Transportation Board declined comment on the report or any Boeing plan to return the 787s to the air.

"The decisions to return the airplane to flight will be made by the FAA and only after Boeing has demonstrated to them that the solution is adequate," she said. "We continue to investigate the cause of the short circuiting."

A spokeswoman from the US Federal Aviation Administration declined to comment.

Fifty Dreamliners have been grounded worldwide after a series of battery-related incidents including a fire on board a plane in the United States and an in-flight problem on another jet in Japan.

Source : HKSG, 26.08.13.