WASHINGTON — Boeing CEO Jim McNerney is sure his company is “very close” to getting its troubled 787 Dreamliner jet back flying again.

“We have a high degree of confidence in the technical solution we are testing right now with the FAA,” McNerney said Thursday. “I think it will be sooner than later.”

Boeing started flight testing a solution to the 787’s battery problems Monday. Those problems led regulators to ground the plane in January. McNerney expects the tests to conclude in a few days and said the data should be conclusive enough to convince regulators to let the plane fly again.

He called the grounding a “frustrating experience” but said regulators are putting safety first.

“They have the best interest of the flying public in mind,” McNerney said.