US orders comprehensive review of Boeing 787s

CHICAGO - The US Federal Aviation Administration said Friday it will conduct a comprehensive review of Chicago-based Boeing's new 787's critical systems, following a rash of glitches this week, which included a battery fire and fuel leaks, according to local media report.

"Boeing is confident in the design and performance of the 787. It is a safe and efficient airplane that brings tremendous value to our customers and an improved flying experience to their passengers," according to statement released by Boeing earlier on Friday.

The statement says, more than a year ago, the 787 completed the most robust and rigorous certification process in the history of the Federal Aviation Administration,"We welcome the opportunity to conduct this joint review."  

The US federal transportation officials also supported Boeing, saying that the plane is safe, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"We are confident about the safety of this aircraft," said Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta, adding that a priority in the review will be the plane's electrical systems. He said he would not speculate on how long the review would take.

The review will involve examining the plane's design, manufacture and assembly, according to Ray LaHood, the US  Transportation Secretary.

"Through it, we will look for the root causes of recent events and do everything we can to make sure these events don't happen again," LaHood said.

The announcement comes amid yet more reports Friday of problems with the highly anticipated "Dreamliner" jet, including a cracked cockpit window and another oil leak on a Japanese carrier. They add to a rash of other reported problems this week, the most serious of which was a battery fire on a parked 787 in Boston, an incident under investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board.