National: Dreamliner to be scrutinised after nightmare week

Boeing's troubled 787 Dreamliner is to face a full review of its design and manufacture by the US government after two more incidents were reported - making five in five days for the model that promised to revolutionise flying. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a comprehensive review of the 787's design, manufacture and assembly, but stressed its confidence in the plane's safety.

Ray LaHood, US transportation secretary, said he would have "no reservation" over flying in a 787 but admitted the administration was concerned about the events and would be looking for the causes.

Pilots on an All Nippon Airways (ANA) domestic flight in Japan reported a crack developing in the cockpit windscreen before landing safely yesterday, while oil was found leaking from the engine of another of the airline's Dreamliners.

A string of problems in the last week has threatened to erode confidence in the mould-breaking, carbon-composite aircraft, which is at the forefront of the aviation industry's pledges for a greener, quieter future. At Boston airport, a battery started a fire on an empty Japan Airlines 787, while another plane leaked 40 gallons of fuel on to the taxiway.

BA will be operating Dreamliners this year. Willie Walsh, chief executive of BA's parent company IAG, said: "We remain committed to taking delivery of the aircraft."

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Boeing's troubled 787 Dreamliner, which promised to revolutionise flying, has suffered five worrying incidents in five days