As issues of the New Boeing 787 Dreamliner Jets goes wide, Nigeria is not in the Picture

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet with several capabilities and newest technologies, made by Chicago-based Boeing Corporation, that was launched by airlines around the world in 2012, is having issues that has made nations ground it — until the issues are resolved. Two of Japan’s biggest airlines — ANA and JAL — were first to ground the planes, the US followed, India too, and Europe did. This came after a number of incidents in the last two weeks on fuel leaks, electrical systems and battery faults. It is a big blow to the affected airlines and Boeing, with more than 50 of the planes in operation before today, and 800 orders for the plane worldwide. These grounding resulted in change of schedules, in Japan where about 25 of the planes are in use and in other countries. The news brought the issue of airline safety to the fore, regarding flight inspection and approval for a trip. As the news made the rounds, officials in the US Transport Ministry and Boeing engineers will be travelling to Japan to look at the issues and will also have to attend to other complains. But, Nigeria is not in the picture. China too is not, and several other nations, but no order has been made by any local airline, given that the plane sells for $207 million, far expensive and may not fit into the local aviation sector for several reasons. Ethiopian airlines 787 jet touched down Nigeria in August, and United Airlines was expected to commence a direct flight from Nigeria to the States later this month, but postponed it until the issues are resolved. Grounding of the carbon-made new technology Dreamliner jet, and ongoing inspection — globally, evokes for Nigeria the importance of safety and prevention for aircraft issues no matter how small. US officials and Boeing management have declared the 787 jet safe, but may not lift off until checks are completed and issues are resolved. This should make inspection, checks and proper regulation important for Nigeria, for safety and for all, grounding unfit planes, and doing thorough checks, rather than 2 — 3 hours check before flights — usual, sometimes at local airports.