Published: Friday, December 5, 2008
Strike, glitches still haunt Boeing
EVERETT -- The effects of the Boeing Machinists strike and other production problems on jet deliveries continue to be revealed a month after the strike ended.
On Thursday, Boeing reported that it had delivered only four commercial aircraft in November. That's down from 36 jets the company delivered in August, the last full month before the Machinists went on strike. The 57-day work stoppage concluded Nov. 2.
On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal also reported Thursday that Boeing may push back the delivery of its delayed 787 by as much as six months. Citing "people familiar with the situation," the publication said it may be as late as summer 2010 before Boeing hands over its first Dreamliner. That would put the jet nearly two years behind its original delivery date.
Days after the Machinists returned to work, Boeing said its 787 Dreamliner wouldn't fly before the end of the year. During the strike, the company discovered that workers both in Everett and at supplier locations had improperly installed fasteners that have to be removed and replaced. The company pointed to the strike as cause for the delay on first flight.
Boeing also has faced production glitches on its commercial airplanes including the installation of faulty connectors called nutplates -- an issue that affected its 737, 767, 747 and 777 jets. The company already announced delays on its 747-8 and 777 Freighter programs as a result of the nearly two-month long strike as well as limited engineering resources.
The jetmaker is expected to give an updated 787 schedule later this month.
On Thursday, Boeing reported that it had delivered only four commercial aircraft in November. That's down from 36 jets the company delivered in August, the last full month before the Machinists went on strike. The 57-day work stoppage concluded Nov. 2.
On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal also reported Thursday that Boeing may push back the delivery of its delayed 787 by as much as six months. Citing "people familiar with the situation," the publication said it may be as late as summer 2010 before Boeing hands over its first Dreamliner. That would put the jet nearly two years behind its original delivery date.
Days after the Machinists returned to work, Boeing said its 787 Dreamliner wouldn't fly before the end of the year. During the strike, the company discovered that workers both in Everett and at supplier locations had improperly installed fasteners that have to be removed and replaced. The company pointed to the strike as cause for the delay on first flight.
Boeing also has faced production glitches on its commercial airplanes including the installation of faulty connectors called nutplates -- an issue that affected its 737, 767, 747 and 777 jets. The company already announced delays on its 747-8 and 777 Freighter programs as a result of the nearly two-month long strike as well as limited engineering resources.
The jetmaker is expected to give an updated 787 schedule later this month.
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