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Top Japan airlines ground 787s after emergency landing Top Japan airlines ground Boeing 787s after emergency
(35 minutes later)
Japan's two main airlines have grounded their Boeing 787 Dreamliners after one was forced to make an emergency landing because of battery problems.Japan's two main airlines have grounded their Boeing 787 Dreamliners after one was forced to make an emergency landing because of battery problems.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) grounded its fleet of 17 Dreamliners after its flight NH 692 from Yamaguchi Ube was forced to land shortly after takeoff.All Nippon Airways (ANA) grounded its fleet of 17 Dreamliners after its flight NH 692 from Yamaguchi Ube was forced to land shortly after takeoff.
Japan Airlines followed suit, saying it would ground its fleet of seven 787s from 16 January until further notice.Japan Airlines followed suit, saying it would ground its fleet of seven 787s from 16 January until further notice.
This is the latest setback for Boeing and its problem-hit Dreamliner planes.This is the latest setback for Boeing and its problem-hit Dreamliner planes.
In recent weeks, Dreamliners have suffered issues including fuel leaks, a cracked cockpit window, brake problems and an electrical fire.In recent weeks, Dreamliners have suffered issues including fuel leaks, a cracked cockpit window, brake problems and an electrical fire.
Battery malfunctionBattery malfunction
On Wednesday, ANA's flight NH 692 left Yamaguchi Ube in western Japan at 08:10 local time (23:10 GMT) and was forced to land at 08:47 at Takamatsu airport.On Wednesday, ANA's flight NH 692 left Yamaguchi Ube in western Japan at 08:10 local time (23:10 GMT) and was forced to land at 08:47 at Takamatsu airport.
ANA said that there was an error message in the cockpit citing a battery malfunction.ANA said that there was an error message in the cockpit citing a battery malfunction.
It added that all 137 passengers and crew were evacuated once the plane had landed, and that there were fire trucks on the runway.It added that all 137 passengers and crew were evacuated once the plane had landed, and that there were fire trucks on the runway.
Japan's Ministry of Transport said smoke was seen in the cockpit, but not in the passenger compartment. The source of the smoke is not known. A strange smell was also confirmed.Japan's Ministry of Transport said smoke was seen in the cockpit, but not in the passenger compartment. The source of the smoke is not known. A strange smell was also confirmed.
The BBC's correspondent in Tokyo, Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, said that local television footage showed emergency chutes were deployed from the plane.The BBC's correspondent in Tokyo, Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, said that local television footage showed emergency chutes were deployed from the plane.
Paul Lewis, a spokesman for Boeing, told the BBC that the planemaker was "aware of the diversion of a 787 operated by ANA to Takamatsu in western Japan".Paul Lewis, a spokesman for Boeing, told the BBC that the planemaker was "aware of the diversion of a 787 operated by ANA to Takamatsu in western Japan".
He added that Boeing "will be working with our customer and the appropriate regulatory agencies".He added that Boeing "will be working with our customer and the appropriate regulatory agencies".
Closer lookCloser look
Faced with an increasing number of Dreamliner problems, Japanese and US authorities have launched investigations into the manufacturing of the Dreamliner.Faced with an increasing number of Dreamliner problems, Japanese and US authorities have launched investigations into the manufacturing of the Dreamliner.
Last week, the US Federal Aviation Administration started a broad review of the design, manufacturing and assembly of the Dreamliner.Last week, the US Federal Aviation Administration started a broad review of the design, manufacturing and assembly of the Dreamliner.
On Tuesday, Japanese authorities said they would conduct a probe after two successive fuel leaks on a different 787 operated by Japan Airlines.On Tuesday, Japanese authorities said they would conduct a probe after two successive fuel leaks on a different 787 operated by Japan Airlines.
On 8 January, Japan Airlines reported that a fire broke out on a 787 shortly after it landed in Boston.On 8 January, Japan Airlines reported that a fire broke out on a 787 shortly after it landed in Boston.
There have also been reports of brake issues.There have also been reports of brake issues.
"It is not abnormal for new aircraft to have some teething problems," said Chris de Lavigne of Frost and Sullivan in Singapore."It is not abnormal for new aircraft to have some teething problems," said Chris de Lavigne of Frost and Sullivan in Singapore.
"There were initial issues with the Airbus A380 as well. Look where it is today; it is flying successfully and everyone seems to be happy with it.""There were initial issues with the Airbus A380 as well. Look where it is today; it is flying successfully and everyone seems to be happy with it."
However, he added that a lot would depend on the outcome of the two investigations.However, he added that a lot would depend on the outcome of the two investigations.
"If it turns out to be a major issue and requires re-engineering to be done, then you may need to ground some of the planes or even the entire fleet.""If it turns out to be a major issue and requires re-engineering to be done, then you may need to ground some of the planes or even the entire fleet."