Airlines keep 787 flying as probe seeks cause of fire

Airlines are keeping Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner flying, and are sticking with their orders for the new jet as safety investigators look for what sparked a fire in one of the planes while it was parked at London’s Heathrow Airport.

The fire caused extensive heat damage to the rear fuselage, sent smoke throughout the cabin and scorched the outer hull, according to Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch, which is leading the probe.

The AAIB said there appeared to be no connection between the latest fire and lithium-ion batteries that burned on two 787s in January, prompting regulators to ground the fleet for 3-1/2 months.

Last week’s fire aboard the Ethiopian Airlines jet has raised concerns about a possible problem in the plane’s complex electrical system, which analysts said could be a concern for investors.

The AAIB is looking at a rescue beacon made by Honeywell International as one of several components that possibly sparked or contributed to the fire.

None of the 13 airlines that fly the 787 have grounded it, though Japanese airlines said they have inspected their planes. And airlines have not canceled orders. AMR Corp’s American Airlines and Delta Air Lines - two of the biggest US buyers - said their orders remain firm.

American said it is on track to take delivery of its first 787 in the second half of next year, one of 42 787s on order. Delta has 18 787s on order, and the first delivery is in 2020.