In a move that will surprise few who are close to the world of aviation, Boeing yesterday announced that deliveries of its revolutionary new aeroplane, the 787 Dreamliner, were to be delayed.
The delay is not that surprising, as rumours have abound that the plane - which features a brand new airframe, made up of composite materials - would enter service later than originally thought, mainly due to delays in the delivery and development process.
The plane is now scheduled to make its first test flight at the end of the first quarter in 2008, and will enter into service with launch customer, Japanese carrier ANA, in November or December 2008.
What's notable about this story is how, for the first time in this plane's development problems have been publicly announced. Up until now, the 787 has been continually feted, and has racked up more pre-orders than any commercial airliner ever, while over at Boeing's old adversary, Airbus, the plane it has been developing over a similar period - the A380, has been hit by problem after problem, causing long delivery delays, and has also struggled for sales.
With the A380 due to finally make it's first operational flight with Singapore airlines the week after next, one can't help but thinking that there might have been one or two smiles cracked in Toulouse on hearing this news.
More on this story here.
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Posted by Joseph Simpson on 11th October 2007
Photo credit : The Boeing company
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