When will Boeing’s 787 fly?

Published 8:26 am Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Boeing has delayed the first flight of its 787 again.

With just a week left in June, the month in which the 787 was supposed to take flight, the company called off the Dreamliner’s flight citing the need to reinforce a section of the aircraft.

We should get a little more information this morning during a conference call with Boeing’s Scott Carson and Scott Fancher.

The company said in its press release that it will be several weeks before a new schedule is available. The 787 is already nearly two years behind schedule.

Today’s news raises the obvious question: When will the Dreamliner fly?

UPDATED:Here are a few key points from the conference call:

• The problem was discovered during static testing last month, but Boeing thought then it wasn’t a significant issue.
• Last Friday, the company decided to halt flight testing.
• There are 18 spots – 1 to 2 inches in size – along where the body and wings meet that need reinforcement.
• Boeing is working with suppliers MHI and FHI to come up with a solution; it has several options in mind.
• Boeing will continue with final gauntlet and taxiing tests on the first 787 while a solution is being worked out.
• The company called some customers last night.
• Again, it will be weeks before first flight is rescheduled.
• Carson on first delivery: “There will be some impact.”