Boeing's
state-of-the-art Dreamliner passenger jet has been grounded in Japan, India,
Chile and the USA amid safety concerns. The airliner has been hit with a spate
of technical malfunctions in the past month. These range from cracked
windshields, brake and electrical problems, and fuel spills.
A battery fault found on Wednesday on one of
Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) planes forced the flight to make an emergency
landing. A Japanese transport official described the incident as "highly
serious," which means there could have been an accident. Japanese
authorities have suspended all Dreamliner flights until further notice. Japan's
airlines have 24 of the 50 Dreamliners Boeing has sold to date.
The Dreamliner is expected to revolutionize the
aviation industry. Its lightweight design, fuel efficiency and advanced safety
features mean airlines have been queuing up to buy it. Boeing says it is
investigating the issues but expressed confidence in the aircraft's
safety.
A company official has put the difficulties down
to "teething problems" associated with a brand new airplane. The
airline's CEO, Jim McNerney, said: "We will be taking every necessary step
in the coming days to assure our customers and the travelling public of the
787's safety and to return the airplanes to service." He added:
"Boeing deeply regrets…the inconvenience to [our customers] and their
passengers."
EXERCISE 1. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. In how many countries has the Dreamliner been grounded?
2. What piece of faulty equipment was found on Wednesday?
3. How many Dreamliners are operated by Japanese airlines?
4. What did a Boeing official say was responsible for the issues?
5. Who is Jim McNerney?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1.What do you know about the Boeing Dreamliner?
2. What should Boeing do for the affected airlines?
3. Do you worry about airline safety?
4. Why do you think the airplane is having so many problems?
5. What do you like and hate about flying?
Useful links/Article Sources:
No comments:
Post a Comment