Boeing is facing a crisis as its new 787 Dreamliner fleet is now grounded in Europe, the United States, Japan, and in India over safety issues.

Boeing marketed the 787 as the fuel-efficient jetliner of the future but a series of problems has prompted several safety investigations.

The most recent incident involved a fire risk from the plane's lithium ion batteries. A 787 Dreamliner on its way to Tokyo was forced to make an emergency landing when someone smelled smoke in the cockpit and cabin.

Officials say burn marks were found around the main battery below the cockpit.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded the planes, which are only operated by United Airlines,

Jim McNerney, Boeing's chairman, president and CEO, said the company is working with the FAA to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

"We are confident the 787 is safe and we stand behind its overall integrity," he said in a statement. "We will be taking every necessary step in the coming days to assure our customers and the traveling public of the 787's safety and to return the airplanes to service."