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FAA approves 787 Dreamliner certification plan for testing Boeing's battery fix

The last we heard in the saga of the grounded 787 Dreamliner came last month, when Boeing announced that it had developed a "permanent" fix to the airliner's battery fire issues. Today, the FAA issued its approval of the company's certification plan, allowing Boeing to begin testing its proposed battery improvements. Boeing's fix includes redesigned internal batteries, better insulation and new venting system, and the FAA has given the go-ahead for testing prototype versions of the setup on two aircraft. The agency originally cleared Boeing for limited testing and ferrying of 787s last month, but completing the FAA certification program is key for the company returning to commercial service. Don't get set on a first-class ticket to Japan just yet, though; these things take time.