Boeing’s 787 jet moves toward first flight

EVERETT — The Boeing Co.’s 787 taxied down the runway at Paine Field today, clearing another hurdle between the jet and its first flight, which is set for Tuesday.

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner made a series of low-speed taxi tests today. The company also put its 787 through a rejected take off, where the Dreamliner lifted its nose off the runway but didn’t take flight.

The company said this week that it hopes to put the 787 in the air as early as 10 a.m. Tuesday, depending on weather conditions. Boeing also needed to complete taxiing tests, flight review and receive a final OK from the Federal Aviation Administration before its Dreamliner is cleared for takeoff.

Boeing’s 787 has suffered several major delays and is running more than two years behind schedule. The first flight signals the beginning of the flight test program, which will help Boeing obtain flight test certification on its 787 from the FAA. If all goes well, Boeing aims to deliver its first 787 late next year.