Boeing 777s must now be inspected for wing cracks every few years

The US aviation regulator now requires regular inspections for cracks on the upper wing skin of all Boeing 777 airplanes. This means airlines must check their 777s for a specific type of fatigue crack every few years, or after a certain number of flights.

Airlines now have a mandatory maintenance task for their 777 fleets. This adds a predictable cost to operating these planes, as inspections take time and can lead to repairs. The change comes after a 5-inch crack was found on a wing, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in aging aircraft fleets.