New Delhi

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft after concerns of potential misconduct within the company’s operations surfaced.

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According to Reuters, the inquiry follows Boeing's disclosure of employee misconduct related to the completion of crucial tests on certain 787 Dreamliner aeroplanes.

The FAA's investigation centres on whether Boeing conducted thorough inspections to ensure proper bonding and grounding at the junction of wings and fuselage in specific 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Additionally, authorities are examining claims of fabrication of aircraft records by company personnel.

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Boeing has taken immediate action in response to the allegations, with plans underway to reinspect all 787 aeroplanes within the production system and devise a strategy for addressing the fleet currently in service.

After the news broke out, Boeing's shares experienced a decline of 1.5 per cent, closing at $177.03 on Monday afternoon.

Scott Stocker, head of Boeing's 787 program, addressed the issue in an internal email to employees in South Carolina, where the 787 Dreamliner is assembled.

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Stocker acknowledged instances of policy violations by employees who failed to perform required tests but recorded them as completed.

Boeing immediately reported the matter to the FAA and is taking corrective measures against the implicated personnel.

While Boeing stated that the identified misconduct does not pose an immediate safety threat, the company faces additional challenges in its production and delivery schedules for the 787 Dreamliner.

Supplier shortages in critical components have compelled Boeing to anticipate a slower rate of production and deliveries for its widebody jets.

This setback comes while Boeing is already under investigation regarding its manufacturing practices, with recent criticism from a Boeing quality engineer and a criminal investigation by the Justice Department into a mid-air emergency involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9.

The National Transportation Safety Board's findings revealed missing bolts in a plane delivered by Boeing months before a mid-air emergency, raising questions about compliance and documentation procedures within the company.

(With inputs from Reuters)