Boeing Delays Launch Of 787 Dreamliner
Posted on 13 September 2007
Boeing have delayed the launch flight of it's new 787 Dreamliner until December 2007 due to problems with the final assembly of the aircraft. The company insists this will not effect the delivery of the first aircraft in May 2008.
The first test flight had originally been planned for August, but has not been delayed by 4 months.
The first tour operator to operate the 787 will be Japan's All Nippon Airways, followed by First Choice Airways as the first UK carrier to fly the aircraft in 2009. First choice airways are likely to be re-branded as Thomsonfly after a merger between First Choice and TUI earlier this year.
The delays now mean Boeing must complete the testing on it's aircraft in 5 months, which is less than half of the time they spent on it's previous new commercial jet the 777 in 1995.
The 787's fuel efficiency will increase the number of direct flights available to long haul destinations and should also reduce jet lag with it's enhanced cabin technology.
The new aircraft will be made from carbon composite fibre rather than aluminium.