By Kristen Leigh Painter
The Denver Post
January 16, 2013
The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded all U.S. Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights Wednesday until the safety of the aircraft’s lithium batteries can be proven.
The FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive following an in-flight battery incident early Wednesday in Japan.
According to the FAA statement, “The root cause of these failures is currently under investigation. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in damage to critical systems and structures, and the potential for fire in the electrical compartment.”
United Airlines is currently the only U.S. carrier flying the aircraft. The Dreamliner is a critical aircraft for the Denver market as it is opening up the Asia market with a direct United flight to Tokyo beginning March 31. The Post was unable to reach airline for comment.