Duration Of Government Shutdown Will Be The Key

With the FAA furloughing employees charged with aircraft certification, Boeing could face delays in the approval of its 787-9 Dreamliner which flew for the first time in September.

The FAA is delaying "all aircraft certification" for the duration of the shutdown, according to DOT documents. Boeing spokesman John Dern told Bloomberg News that the key is how long FAA employees are off the job.

“We have contingency plans in place to deal with interruptions to our normal operations," Dern said in an interview.

Dern said the furloughs will not affect other aircraft being built by Boeing, as it has the authority to internally make final approvals for most of the aircraft currently in production. He said the company has "delegated authority" from the agency to continue deliveries of "most commercial airplanes."

The first of the larger Dreamliners is expected to enter service with Air New Zealand by the middle of next year.

(787-9 first flight image provided by Boeing)

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