Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Boeing may again delay Dreamliner's first flight
The Boeing Co. could announce another delay in its 787 Dreamliner by as early as Wednesday, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The newspaper reports that the new fuel-efficient Dreamliner, which already is six months behind schedule, may not make its first flight until June. Boeing Co. officials said in December 2007 that the 787 would begin test flights by the end of March. Another delay would make it unlikely that Boeing could meet its first delivery date of December 2008.
Boeing’s shares traded as low as $76 after the Journal report broke around noon Pacific Standard Time. The Chicago-based company’s stock closed down 4.67 percent at $77.86.
In October, Boeing pushed back the initial flight and delivery of its first new jet in more than a decade by six months, citing parts shortages and production issues. Boeing’s new 787 will be made of about 50 percent carbon fiber composite material, a change from the mostly aluminum commercial jets in service. The aerospace company also increased its reliance on foreign partners, flying into Everett major assemblies built in Italy and Japan.
Boeing had intended to push ahead with its Dreamliner production despite its initial troubles with the goal of delivering 109 jets by the end of 2009 – three fewer than its original schedule. However, Boeing officials have acknowledged the company has a tight flight test schedule to meet that 2009 goal. A delay would push back those deliveries.
The Dreamliner has enjoyed remarkable market success, winning more than 800 orders since its launch.
The newspaper reports that the new fuel-efficient Dreamliner, which already is six months behind schedule, may not make its first flight until June. Boeing Co. officials said in December 2007 that the 787 would begin test flights by the end of March. Another delay would make it unlikely that Boeing could meet its first delivery date of December 2008.
Boeing’s shares traded as low as $76 after the Journal report broke around noon Pacific Standard Time. The Chicago-based company’s stock closed down 4.67 percent at $77.86.
In October, Boeing pushed back the initial flight and delivery of its first new jet in more than a decade by six months, citing parts shortages and production issues. Boeing’s new 787 will be made of about 50 percent carbon fiber composite material, a change from the mostly aluminum commercial jets in service. The aerospace company also increased its reliance on foreign partners, flying into Everett major assemblies built in Italy and Japan.
Boeing had intended to push ahead with its Dreamliner production despite its initial troubles with the goal of delivering 109 jets by the end of 2009 – three fewer than its original schedule. However, Boeing officials have acknowledged the company has a tight flight test schedule to meet that 2009 goal. A delay would push back those deliveries.
The Dreamliner has enjoyed remarkable market success, winning more than 800 orders since its launch.
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