Boeing Co (NYSE:BA, ETR:BCO) has uncovered a new production problem, this time with its 787 Dreamliner jets.
Hundreds of fasteners have been incorrectly installed on the fuselages of some undelivered jets, a report in Reuters said quoting unnamed sources.
According to the report, the fasteners were not tightened or 'torqued' correctly, with the plane maker assessing the issue to see what, if any, action needs to be taken.
"Our 787 team is checking fasteners in the side-of-body area of some undelivered 787 Dreamliner aeroplanes to ensure they meet our engineering specifications. The in-service fleet can continue to safely operate," a spokesperson told Reuters.
"We are taking the time necessary to ensure all aeroplanes meet our delivery standards prior to delivery. We are working closely with our customers and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and keeping them updated.”
The FAA said that Boeing disclosed it may have "improperly installed fuselage fasteners on some 787 jets".
"The FAA is investigating and is working closely with Boeing to determine appropriate actions and to ensure an immediate fix in the production system."
Boeing has been dogged by quality controls ever since an incident in January when a door blew off a 737 MAX plane operated by Alaska Airlines.
The airline issued specific instructions about how to torque bolts on 737 MAX 9 following that incident.
Shares in Boeing were trading down 1% at US$178,75 ahead of the start of trading in the US.