Boeing Co.'s revolutionary 787 airliner moved significantly closer to returning to service Friday when the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration approved design modifications for a malfunctioning battery system that caused a worldwide grounding of the new planes.
"These changes to the 787 battery will ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Boeing's stock bumped up nearly 2 percent Friday on reports that the Dreamliner could be cleared to resume service within days.