ANA B777-300ER delay due to flaw with premium economy seats. SIA A380 and others affected

All Nippon Airways stated the delayed introduction of its new B777-300ER aircraft until Apr-2010 arose after Japan's Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry found a flaw in the 24 Premium Economy seats upon a strength inspection (The Yomiuri Shimbun, 06-Feb-2010). Upgraded seating is expected to be installed from Aug-2010, with the carrier planning to claim for damages from seat manufacturer, Koito Industries Ltd.

Singapore Airlines plans to delay the introduction of its 11th A380, after Koito failed to deliver seats for the aircraft on time (Bloomberg, 05-Feb-2010). Plans to overhaul its B777s will also be affected by the delays. Continental Airlines and Japan Airlines have also been forced to delay deliveries or make seat changes after Koito failed to deliver on time or according to specification. Continental was forced to delay the delivery of two B737-800s in Jan-2010 due to late seating, with the carrier adding several more could be affected. Japan Airlines meanwhile received non-certified seating material on its B777-200s last year.