All 50 Dreamliner aircraft currently in service have now been grounded due to safety fears relating to its onboard battery system.
Ethiopian Airlines became the final airline to suspend Boeing 787 services today following the issuing of an emergency airworthiness directive by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The African carrier, which has four Dreamliners in service, was the last of the eight airlines that currenly operate the aircraft to officially ground their B787 fleet.
Qatar Airways, which is the only scheduled airline to fly the Dreamliner from the UK, also suspended flights earlier today (January 17).
“Ethiopian Dreamliners have not encountered the type of problems such as those experienced by the other operators,” said the airline in a statement.
“However, as an extra precautionary safety measure and in line with its commitment of putting safety above all else, Ethiopian has decided to pull out its four Dreamliners from operation and perform the special inspection requirements mandated by the US FAA.”
Ethiopian added that the aircraft had been “performing well” in the five months since they had started flying in August 2012.
“Ethiopian is working closely with Boeing to comply with the US FAA approved special inspection procedure on the battery system and perform the maintenance as per the directive,” the carrier added.
“The airline aims to return the Dreamliners to service as soon as possible, after full compliance with the new procedure.”