EVERETT, Wash. – Boeing has announced an updated schedule for its 787 Dreamliner programme that moves the commercial jet’s first flight into the second quarter of 2009 and first delivery into the first quarter of 2010.
Although widely expected, the further delays in the 787 delivery programme will force several airlines that have ordered the plane – including Qantas – to rethink their operational strategies.
The first Dreamliner deliveries were initially planned for the first half of 2008.
Boeing said the new schedule reflected the impact of disruption caused by the recent machinists’ strike along with the requirement to replace certain fasteners in early production airplanes.
“Our industry team has made progress with structural testing, systems hardware qualification, and production, but we must adjust our schedule for these two unexpected disruptions,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, Scott Carson.
Repeated problems with the Dreamliner have become an embarrassment for Boeing and a source of frustration for customers. The latest postponement is the fourth for the jet project.
Boeing says it has received nearly 900 orders for the aircraft from more than 55 customers worldwide.
