Boeing is suspending test flights of a new airliner because of a possible problem in the manufacturing of a key engine part.
The company said Wednesday that it still plans to deliver the first Boeing 737 Max later this month, and production will continue.
The news sent Boeing Co. shares down nearly 4 percent, although they recovered partly to close at $183.18, down $2.31, or 1.3 percent.
Chicago-based Boeing was notified last week of a potential issue involving turbine engine discs produced by a supplier to engine maker CFM International. Boeing said it has not experienced any problems with the discs during more than 2,000 hours of testing.
It poses no safety concerns for travelers because no airlines are yet flying the 737 Max but it could mean a costly disruption if the problem persists. Timely delivery is important to planemakers as they get most of the payment for a plane when it is handed to the buyer.
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http://www.nbcnews.com/business/travel/boeing-halts-test-flights-new-737-over-engine-issue-n757721One does not mess with turbine discs...http://www.flyingmag.com/uncontained-engine-failure-at-ohare-could-have-been-much-worse
