NTSB investigates 787 engine issue

NTSB investigates 787 engine issue

Boeing Co. says federal regulators are investigating after one of its 787 jets had an engine issue that sparked a fire in South Carolina, but the company remains confident in its safety.

The jet is one of Boeing’s most critical products. The company delivered the first 787, known as the Dreamliner, last year after several years of design and production delays. Airlines set record orders for the jet, as its lightweight, high-tech design was expected to offer travelers more comfort, provide airlines significant fuel savings and open up new routes.

Boeing said Sunday that a 787 had an engine issue Saturday while undergoing preflight runway testing in North Charleston, S.C. The Post and Courier newspaper of Charleston reported that debris from the aircraft fell on the runway at Charleston International Airport and sparked a fire in the nearby grass, which closed the airport for more than an hour.

Company spokesman Marc Birtel said the company could not disclose the nature of the engine issue due to rules surrounding the investigation.

Iran leader: Create new economy

TEHRAN, Iran

Iran’s supreme leader has outlined a new approach to overcome Western sanctions — stop selling oil and build knowledge-based industries instead.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s says what he calls a “resistant economy” can effectively counter the sanctions.

This month, the European Union enforced a ban on oil imports from Iran, after the U.S. stepped up its banking sanctions.

The sanctions aim to force Iran to stop enriching uranium. The West suspects Iran is aiming to build nuclear weapons. Iran denies that.

Khamenei said Iran should stop selling raw materials, including oil, and instead promote “knowledge-based companies which can make a resistant economy more sustainable.”

He gave no timetable or details of what would amount to a total overhaul of Iran’s economy.

Khamenei’s remarks were broadcast on state TV Sunday night.

Germany: No more Greek concessions

BERLIN

Germany’s finance minister said in an interview published Sunday that he can’t see room for further concessions to Greece, insisting anew that the country must implement far-reaching reforms and cut its budget deficit.

International debt inspectors are scrutinizing Greece’s finances and its progress in implementing unpopular budget cuts and reforms demanded in exchange for the rescue loan program that is keeping the country afloat.

Greek officials have called for more time to implement the measures, but patience among creditors is running extremely short. If the inspectors’ report, expected in September, is damning, Athens could stop receiving rescue loans and face a disorderly bankruptcy and exit from the 17-nation euro.

From wire reports