Boeing Dreamliner: Airbus Warned Boeing About Lithium-Ion Battery Risks Last Year [video]

After Airplane manufacturer Airbus warned their American rival about the lithium-ion battery and the potential problems that could come from it, Boeing cannot say that they didn't see this coming.

Nearly a year prior to Boeing's decision to insert the lithium-ion battery into their 787-Dreamliner, Airbus brought up major concerned they had about the battery at a forum for airline customers in March 2012, citing, "the risk of flames, explosion, smoke and leakage in the event of a so-called thermal runaway or uncontrolled battery overheating," according to Reuters.

Airbus brought up additional risks the battery could have as well.

"The risks associated to lithium batteries require the attention of the entire industry," Reuters quotes Airbus as saying in slides accompanying a presentation by Christine Bezard, the flight safety leader of Airbus' planned A350 jet that also will use the lithium-ion batteries.

However, the risks didn't bother Boeing who saw the lightweight and powerful battery as the center-piece for the Dreamliner, thus, ignoring that the battery "poses a greater fire risk if managed improperly ... based on their chemical makeup," according to Reuters.

Boeing affirmed that statement by the way they have mismanaged, not only the lithium-ion battery, but the whole situation that followed.

Even with the FAA opening up an investigation about the lithium-ion battery that is assumed to be the cause of two Dreamliner fires, which resulted in the Dreamliner being grounded until further notice and All Nippon Airways, owner of the most Dreamliners in, or should it be, out of action, with 50 planes, threatening a lawsuit to recover $15 million of lost revenue that they say they lost due to the Dreamliner grounding, Boeing still says they will continue production until the FAA investigation has real proof about the lithium-ion battery being the direct cause of the fires.

Airbus wouldn't divulge any other information about the March 2012 meeting or their thoughts about Boeing, they showed that they are always aware of the situations around them by telling Reuters, through a spokesman that "Airbus will carefully study recommendations that come out of the 787 investigation and evaluate whether they apply to the A350," according to Reuters.