The big news in the last week is that the FAA has approved the recertification process that Boeing has proposed for the Li-ion batteries in the 787. From their press release:

The certification plan is the first step in the process to evaluate the 787’s return to flight and requires Boeing to conduct extensive testing and analysis to demonstrate compliance with the applicable safety regulations and special conditions.

The important thing to understand is that the 787 is NOT cleared for flight. Nor has Boeing’s proposed fix been cleared for implementation. The FAA has approved a series of tests that Boeing must perform, and the Li-ion batteries must pass, to prove the proposed fix works properly.

There’s still a long road ahead of Boeing on this issue.

Very cool commercial from Etihad, my current hometown airline (here in Abu Dhabi). I found this via Christine Negroni’s Flying Lessons Blog:

But for airlines like Etihad, pitching the in flight experience is more important than so many other items on which airlines compete…

One must remember that airlines like Etihad, Emirates, and even Qatar Airlines don’t have to compete on many of the other items common to today’s airlines. These airlines are run by governments that enjoy vast oil wealth… and consequently they can create superior in flight experiences at very reasonable prices.

My wife and I would take Etihad for all our trips if we could. It really is that good.

One of Boeing’s heavy lifting Dreamlifters had to declare an emergency, dump fuel, and make an emergency landing at Paine Field in Everett, WA.

More here.

ACI has ranked Indianapolis International Airport (IND) as the best in North America. This is based on passenger surveys taken throughout the year. I’m a bit biased here as I spent 4 years working on the Midfield Terminal Project, but the more I travel the more I see Indy as one of the best airports.

Neat to see Abu Dhabi International (AUH) ranked as the best for the Middle East. I’ll be starting work next week on their new projects. Hopefully when they transition to their midfield terminal in 2015 they can retain that ranking. Jeddah and Doha are going to give them a run for their money though.

And the other regional winners:

• Africa: Cape Town (CPT)
• Asia-Pacific: Seoul Incheon (ICN)
• Europe: Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO)
• Latin America – Caribbean: Cancun (CUN)

The NTSB has called for two forums to discuss and review Li-ion battery technology. These forums have arisen out of the ongoing 787 battery investigation. From USAToday:

The board will have the first forum in mid-April to discuss battery technology with transportation safety experts. The investigative hearing later in the month will focus on the design and certification of the Dreamliner’s battery system.

NTSB Press Release regarding their 787 battery investigation. They’ve produced a 48-page Interim Report and released 499 pages of other material. I’ll be reading the report tonight.

Bumper planes at JFK.