Each contract may be slightly different as to performance guarantees; however, I think the larger issue with the Dreamliner is how Boeing handles what has become a PR nightmare. With many production delays, cost overruns, etc.,there are concerns by the airlines. With a serious safety issue, those concerns may take a back seat to an aircraft that initially may be a safety hazard.

I think Boeing shot themselves in the foot when they went to a "save weight at all costs" design philosophy, at least in the electrical system batteries. The decision to switch from a proven, albeit heavier, ni-cad battery to the lithium-ion batteries may prove to be very expensive with possible cancelled or lost orders or certainly significant performance penalties paid. The perception by the flying public public that the aircraft has "serious safety problems" alone will be very costly ! Had the Korean Air aircraft been in flight when the fire broke out, that perception would have become reality.

Y'all be careful out there