Boeing Dreamliner Update: Boeing asks for FAA's Approval to test fly Dreamliner

In the wake of Japan's Transportation Safety Board finding that eight cells in the lithium-ion battery placed in the Dreamliner overheated and encountered signs of "short-circuiting and "thermal runaway," a chemical reaction in which rising temperature causes progressively hotter temperatures, Boeing doesn't seemed fazed and have asked the Federal Aviation Administration "for permission to fly test flights on its 787 Dreamliner as the company searches for the cause of battery problems in the innovative plane," according to USA Today.

Even if granted permission by the FAA, Boeing hasn't confirmed their plans for testing the batteries and electrical system.

"Boeing has submitted an application to conduct 787 test flights and it is currently under evaluation by the FAA," says Kate Bergman, a Boeing spokeswoman. "We are not providing any additional specifics at this time," reported USA Today.

The FAA is currently evaluating the request.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA investigators have joined Boeing in the search for the lithium-ion battery malfunction, but even with taking the battery apart and visiting the battery's manufacture, no concrete evidence exists.

Boeing is adamant that the batteries are not the cause.

The Lithium-Ion batteries, which are lighter and able to recharge more rapidly also "contribute to the plane being 20% more fuel efficient than its rivals," according to USA Today.

Boeing's 50 Dreamliners have been grounded since the Jan. 16 fire onboard an Air Nippon Airways' flight in Boston's Logan Airport.

To make matters worse for the company, Japan Airways announced that they would be suspending the launch of their "Tokyo-Helsinki route that was to have debuted in just three weeks (Feb. 21) ago," reported USA Today.

The reason for the suspension:

JAL planned to use its Dreamliners to fly four routes a week, but now, due the grounding and mechanical/battery issues, that isn't possible.

"The rescheduled date of opening of JAL's Narita-Helsinki service will be announced at a later time and customers with confirmed reservations on concerned flights will be informed about alternative options. JAL apologizes to all customers and related parties for the inconvenience and concerns caused as a result of recent issues with the 787 fleet," said JAL through a press release, according to USA Today.