Boeing prepares 787 for August or September delivery

Published 6:58 am Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Boeing Co. is working with 787 launch customer All Nippon Airways to ready the Dreamliner for first delivery in August or September.

Boeing and carrier will fly a 787 to Japan the week of July 4, the two companies said Thursday. Japan-based ANA and Boeing will fly between airports in Japan, simulating commercial flights the carrier will make when it receives the first Dreamliner.

“ANA is eager to introduce the innovative 787 Dreamliner to Japan,” said Shinichiro Ito, ANA’s chief executive officer. “Giving our employees the opportunity to gain experience with the airplane will help ensure a smoother entry into service later this year.”

This will be the 787’s first trip to Japan. ANA has 55 787s on order. Boeing has conducted similar service validations on its 777, 737 and 757-300 jets.

“We’ve put the airplane through its paces in a rigorous flight test program,” said Scott Fancher, general manager of the 787 program. “Now, as we get closer to first delivery, we’ll prove out its capabilities and reliability in a revenue-like environment.”