Sadly, the script for the continuation of this story is completely predictable.
First, the issues surrounding certification and lack of safety verification by the FAA of the existing design will give the politicians a way to get maximal compliance from the FAA, and there will be some personnel changes there.
Second an alternate battery system will be recertified in record time, whether it is tested or not, because the needed FAA compliance will have been ensured.
Third some administrative reason will be found to create equivalent financial losses for Airbus, to offset what Boeing has lost due to sloppiness.
I expect that by now the NTSB has provided USA Inc. with a very good description of the ways in which future battery issues can be mitigated, and we will soon see an "inquiry" into the certification process, personnel changes, and the new battery system will be installed in the cabin in lieu of some overhead luggage bins within three months.
By the way, if this is just an "emergency" battery, there is no reason to have a charger on the plane, or even to charge the battery when mounted inside the airframe. A recognition of this detail might accelerate the implementation of a safe solution, and its certification.
Last edited by edmundronald; 2nd February 2013 at 17:50.