Boeing 787s to Inspect Cargo Barriers for Titanium Flaws
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is making sure certain Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes are safe by checking if some cargo barrier parts were made with the wrong titanium. Starting February 20, 2026, these planes must get special inspections using high-tech tools, and if problems are found, fixes are required. This keeps flights safe without causing big delays or costs for airlines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Replacement required for wrong titanium parts
If the inspection finds a fitting link made from the incorrect titanium alloy, the AD requires replacing that fitting link with a new part manufactured from Ti-6Al-4V alloy; replacement labor is estimated at 1 work-hour and parts cost up to $2,010 (up to $2,095 total per product).
Risk of failure and safety mitigation
The AD responds to reports that some cargo barrier fitting links may have been made with the wrong titanium alloy; if not fixed, those links could fail during a rapid decompression in the aft fuselage and could damage the aft electronic equipment bay and result in loss of continued safe flight and landing.
Mandatory inspections for 787-9/787-10
Starting February 20, 2026, certain Boeing Model 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes must have the cargo barrier fitting links inspected using a high-frequency eddy current (HFEC) or handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer according to the Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin referenced in the AD.
Scale and estimated compliance cost
The FAA estimates the AD affects 25 U.S.-registered airplanes; the inspection cost is estimated at $85 per airplane and $2,125 total for U.S. operators, and the FAA notes some or all costs may be covered under warranty.
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