Fresh delay for Boeing Nightmareliner

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8115147.stm

Page last updated at 14:53 GMT, Tuesday, 23 June 2009 15:53 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Fresh delay for Boeing Dreamliner
Boeing Dreamliner
The Dreamliner project was already behind schedule

Boeing has announced that it will delay the maiden flight of its new
Dreamliner 787 aircraft, the latest postponement to hit the project.

The flight had been due to take place on 30 June, but the firm said it
had now been delayed because of a need to reinforce a side section of
the plane.

First deliveries will be put back further because of the delays.

Last week, Boeing told the BBC that the Dreamliner would make its
first flight "in a couple of weeks".

'No materials problem'

Boeing denied that the latest delay to befall the Dreamliner was due
to the plane being constructed from a large proportion of plastic
composites instead of aluminium to keep down its weight.

"Structural modifications like these are not uncommon in the
development of new airplanes, and this is not an issue related to our
choice of materials or the assembly and installation work of our
team," said Scott Carson, chief executive of Boeing Commercial
Airplanes.

He added that while difficult, the fresh delay was the "prudent"
decision.

"We are already working towards a solution and are focused on
continuing our progress," said Mr Carson.

Boeing said it would not now be releasing new dates for the first
flight and deliveries for several weeks.

Advertisement

Tour of the Dreamliner: first broadcast July 2007

Before the latest announcement, the long-range, medium-sized
Dreamliner was already more than two years behind schedule.

Aviation analyst Jack Ablin of Harris Private Bank in Chicago said
Tuesday's news "seems like a big setback".

"I'm hopeful that this issue can be resolved quickly. But my sense is
that if it's big enough to delay the introduction then this is a
serious concern."

Shares in the firm were down 6% in early trading in New York following
the announcement.

Best seller

Boeing has received 865 orders for the Dreamliner, which makes it the
plane-maker's fastest selling model.

The Dreamliner is the company's first completely new aircraft since
1995.

Boeing says the use of plastic composites means it will consume 20%
less fuel than similar-sized planes.

It also has a greater range than other planes of its size, which
Boeing hopes will mean it can open up new, direct long-haul routes.