Post by buspilot on Jun 23, 2009 18:07:29 GMT 1
per BBC News
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.
Are Virgin about to cancel their order for the 787, given their order for 10 x A330-300s yesterday? 5 for delivery in each of the years 2011 and 2012.
Also talking to Airbus for 50 X A350s for delivery from 2014.
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.
Are Virgin about to cancel their order for the 787, given their order for 10 x A330-300s yesterday? 5 for delivery in each of the years 2011 and 2012.
Also talking to Airbus for 50 X A350s for delivery from 2014.
