Dreamliner crisis: Boeing seeks test flight for 787

Boeing has sought the permission of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct test flights of its 787 Dreamliner passenger plane.

All 50 of Boeing's 787s were grounded last month because of an ongoing investigation into battery problems.

A battery on a Japan Airlines 787 caught fire, and a malfunction forced an All Nippon Airways flight to make an emergency landing.

Some analysts said this suggests Boeing may be closer to resolving the issue.

Peter Conte, a spokesman for Boeing, told the BBC that the firm's application was "under evaluation" by the FAA.

Aerospace analyst Chris de Lavigne of consulting firm Frost & Sullivan said it was highly likely that the authorities would grant the plane manufacturer permission.

"This is a clear indication that Boeing has identified the problem and may even have found a solution," he said.

"The logical step is to conduct test flights and see if the solution does work."