Boeing planning Dreamliner flight before year end

Boeing has announced a new development schedule for its 787 Dreamliner that is expected to see the new aircraft complete its first flight before the end of the year.

The plane manufacturer has outlined a new plan for delivery of the 787 after announcing that further work was needed to reinforce the side-of-body section of the aircraft.

Commercial deliveries of the Dreamliner are set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010, with a production rate of ten planes per month projected for late 2013.

British Airways, Air China, Continental Airlines and Qantas are among the carriers that have placed orders for the Boeing 787.

Jim McNerney, chairman and chief executive of the manufacturer, said: "This new schedule provides us the time needed to complete the remaining work necessary to put the 787's game-changing capability in the hands of our customers.

"The design details and implementation plan are nearly complete, and the team is preparing airplanes for modification and testing."

Boeing's Dreamliner will provide competition for the Airbus A380, which is currently being used on commercial flights operated by Singapore Airlines, Emirates and other carriers.

Posted by Paul, 28 August 2009 13:23

News tags

• Qantas
• Air China
• Continental Airlines
• British Airways