Boeing 787 Inspections Ordered After Manufacturing Error Discovery

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final airworthiness directive requiring inspections of certain Boeing Co. () 787 Dreamliner jets due to manufacturing errors.

A Boeing investigation found that shim gaps in the lower outboard wing skins may have exceeded engineering specifications, potentially causing fatigue cracks at fastener holes.

The directive affects 17 airplanes with U.S. registry and requires repetitive ultrasonic inspections for any cracks at specific components.

Boeing stated that the issue dates back to 2019 and sent out a service bulletin in August 2025, assuring operators that planes can continue normal operations while undergoing inspection.