KLM Grounds Seven Boeing 787 Dreamliners After Maintenance Error
Dutch carrier KLM temporarily grounded seven of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners on Saturday after discovering a maintenance error involving the aircraft’s refueling system. The issue led to the cancellation of several long-haul flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, including routes to Mexico City, Chicago, and Portland.
According to reports, technicians mistakenly applied maintenance procedures meant for the Boeing 777 to components of the 787, despite the parts being similar.
“Although there is no safety risk, the seven aircraft are undergoing accelerated maintenance and will remain grounded in the meantime,” a KLM spokesperson told ANP.
The newer Dreamliners require specific inspection protocols and the carrier decided to keep the affected aircraft on the ground for precautionary reinspection using the correct guidelines.
KLM operates a fleet of 24 Boeing 787s — both -9 and -10 variants — of which 17 were not affected. The seven aircraft with incorrect maintenance are undergoing an accelerated review process.
KLM stated that it is working to minimize disruptions, deploying substitute aircraft where possible and rebooking passengers on alternative flights.
As a core component of the Air France-KLM group’s long-haul operations, the Dreamliner plays a vital role in intercontinental connectivity.
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