ID :
35241
Fri, 12/12/2008 - 13:43
Auther :

BOEING SCHEDULES 787 DREAMLINER FIRST FLIGHT FOR Q2 2009; FIRST DELIVERY FOR Q1 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Boeing has announced an updated schedule for its all-new 787 Dreamliner programme that moves the commercial jet's first flight into the second quarter of 2009 and first delivery into the first quarter of 2010.

The new schedule reflects the impact of disruption caused by the recent
Machinists' strike along with the requirement to replace certain fasteners in
early production airplanes, it said in a statement.

"Our industry team has made progress with structural testing, systems
hardware qualification and production, but we must adjust our schedule for
these two unexpected disruptions," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President
and CEO Scott Carson.

Prior to the strike that halted much of the company's commercial airplane
work from early September into November, the 787 was to make its first flight
late in the fourth quarter of 2008, it said.

First delivery was slated for the third quarter of 2009, said Beoing.

"We're laser focused on what needs to be done to prepare for first flight,"
said Pat Shanahan, 787 programme vice-president.

"We will overcome this set of circumstances as we have others in the past,
and we understand clearly what needs to be done moving forward."

Included in the preparations for first flight, Shanahan said, are
finalising and incorporating remaining engineering changes and completing
systems testing, qualifications and certification.

Boeing is evaluating the specific impact of this delay on customer
delivery
dates and will provide customers with updated schedules once completed.

The company is also determining any financial impact from this schedule
change and will incorporate that into updated financial and overall airplane
delivery guidance that will be released at a later date.

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