Boeing delays 747-8 delivery until mid-2011, disappoints Atlas Air

Published 11:34 am Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Boeing Co. has delayed the delivery of its first 747-8 freighter until the middle of next year, the company said Thursday.

“We recognize our customers are eager to add the 747-8 Freighter to their fleets, and we understand and regret any impact this schedule change may have on their plans to begin service with the airplane,” said Pat Shanahan, general manager of airplane programs for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Boeing said the delay won’t affect the company’s 2010 earnings. Boeing had been expected to deliver the first new 747 cargo jet by the end of the year. However, Boeing officials have said in recent months that the delivery might slide into early 2011.

The delay was a disappointment to Atlas Air. Officials from the airline told Reuters that the carrier expected its first three 747-8 cargo planes early in 2011.

This is the fourth major delay for the 747. Boeing’s new cargo jet has encountered troubles in flight testing, including a vibration under certain conditions and an underperforming aileron actuator. The company has added a fifth flight test airplane to the program.

“We understand the issues encountered in flight test and are working through the solutions,” Shanahan said.

Boeing shares are trading up today, at $66.70, at 11:30 a.m. PST.