Strike action at Boeing has led to yet another delay to the production of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Boeing blamed the latest delay on a 58-day machinists’ strike and problems with the installation of fasteners that hold the aircraft together.
It said the first Dreamliner flight will now not take place until next year.
The 787 launch was originally planned for summer 2007 and has already been delayed four times due to problems with suppliers and parts shortages.
The news will come as a blow to the airlines with orders for the aircraft, which include British Airways, Virgin, TUI, Monarch, Qantas and Air New Zealand.
Some airlines have been told they will have to wait two years longer than they had originally been promised.
Boeing said recent inspections found that around 3% of the fasteners on four jets tested had been incorrectly installed by suppliers.
It will make a full assessment of the problem before releasing a new timetable for when the aircraft will make its first flight.
All Nippon Airways is due to be the first customer.
By Bev Fearis
