Boeing is ‘weeks away’ from new 787 schedule

Published 10:36 am Thursday, August 6, 2009

The Boeing Co. is “weeks away” from issuing a new first flight and first delivery schedule for its delayed 787 Dreamliner.

The program’s chief engineer made that statement at an event this morning in Atlanta, according to Reuters.

In mid-June, Boeing pulled the plug on the mostly composite jet’s first flight, which was due by the end of that month. Boeing officials had said they would have a new schedule shortly.

But last month during the company’s earning call, Boeing leaders didn’t provide a new schedule, saying they were still reviewing option on how to strengthen the area where the jet’s wings and body meet.

Boeing originally was to deliver its first 787 in May 2008. The jet has roughly 850 orders.