28 JANUARY 1989, Page 26

Bodged Boeings

Sir: Why has it taken the regulatory authorities until now to call for mandatory checks of Boeing aircraft? Murray Sayle in his article of 18 June (`Leaks, drips and bodged Boeings') informed Spectator read- ers that JAL and BA among others were already well aware of possible cross wiring and other potentially dangerous faults in newly acquired Boeing aircraft. Little notice appears to have been taken. Safety and not commercial interests must come first. Until quality control standards on the Boeing production line have been seen to have substantially improved airline com- panies should be forced to look elsewhere for their new aircraft.

P. L. Finch

24 Sapphire Close, Mayfield Road, Goodmayes, Essex