UPDATE: FAA Approves Boeing's 787 Battery Fix

UPDATE, April 19, 12:30 p.m.: The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday approved Boeing’s redesign of the lithium-ion battery system on the 787 Dreamliner, clearing the way for the big airliner to return to service.

"A team of FAA certification specialists observed rigorous tests we required Boeing to perform and devoted weeks to reviewing detailed analysis of the design changes to reach this  decision," FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said in a press release.

The agency plans to issue instructions to airlines next week on changes needed to the planes and publish a final directive allowing the 787 to return to service.

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Original story:

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner could be back in service by early May, with published reports indicating the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to approve as early as Friday the company’s containment solution for the plane’s lithium-ion batteries.

The big jet was grounded in January after two cases of its batteries overheating, in one case causing a fire. Boeing completed in January a series of tests of its fix, a steel box designed to contain any explosion or fire from the batteries.

Both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal are reporting the FAA is set to approve the fix. The planes could be back in the air after they are all repaired and crews receive new training.

Boeing's Everett plant serves as a final assembly facility for 787s.

Seattlepi.com reported the development in an AP story here.

Previous Edmonds Patch coverage:

• Boeing Takes Up 787 for Test Flight

• Boeing Says FAA Approved Plan to Test 787 Battery System

• FAA Temporarily Grounds All Boeing 787 Dreamliner Jets