Boeing won’t let fasteners delay first 787 flight

SEATTLE — Boeing says it won’t replace all the improper fasteners before the first 787 takes flight later this year.

The company says they are not a safety issue and it doesn’t want any more delays in flight testing.

A spokeswoman, Yvonne Leach, told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer all the improper fasteners will be replaced before the first six planes are refurbished and turned over to airlines.

Because the 787 is the first large commercial jetliner made of composite plastic, it requires a variety of special fasteners. Some of the first were improperly installed.

Boeing is expected to update the status of the 787 program Wednesday when it releases quarterly financial results.