Says Dispute Lies Between FAA And Europe

Recently increased fees imposed by European Aviation Safety Agency regulators to certify Boeing's upcoming short-haul variant of its 787 Dreamliner are too high, says the planemaker, and as a result Boeing has withdrawn its application request for EASA certification of the plane.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports the pulled application only affects the 787-3, slated to enter service in 2010. The dispute does not affect Boeing's plans to pursue EASA certifiiation of the first Dreamliner model slated to enter service, the 787-8.

Boeing's decision is indicative of growing discord between the FAA and EASA over the bilateral "Open Skies" agreement aimed at easing travel restrictions between the US and Europe. In a speech last month before American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey said the new certification fee "flies in the face of actual cost."

(It's worth noting Blakey's statement echoed those made by representatives in the general aviation community, directed against the FAA's proposed user fees for pilots of small aircraft, and increases in costs to certify GA planes... Ed.)

The fee hike reportedly went into effect on Friday.

Scott Carson, CEO for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the affair is essentially a dispute between the FAA and European regulators. He added the company's decision to pull its request for certification of the 787-3 wouldn't affect the program.

Boeing spokeswoman Liz Verdier confirmed Boeing sent a letter to EASA, formally withdrawing its application for the 787-3. She would provide no further details.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.easa.eu, www.faa.gov