Forget the total delivered, 88 airframes affected.
For a company trying to rebuild their reputation, this isn't good. Still trying to get my head around why it took 88 airframes (and probably external pressure) before this was flagged, how big is the QC dept at Boeing?
It will affect ALL 787...It started out with 9 that were in service, with an issue with a tail section shim. They were able to quickly repair 8 of them, but then found other problems with the 9th one.
Boeing then stopped further deliveries of the aircraft in October. ALL 787 manufactured from that point on were not delivered.
Upon further inspections, they found issues with all of the fuselage section joints.
This is not an issue with joining, but an issue with the manufacture of the parts. Doesnt matter where joined, the parts are the issue.
Currently, they are trying to figure what to do...so far it looks like using them "as is". This means the ones in service will likely have a reduced MTOW.
how big is the QC dept at Boeing?
Therein lies the rub. Since inspections were going so well with automated testing equipment, BA petitioned the FAA to reduce the number of inspectors needed. and were successful. The laid of hundred of inspectors.