Boeing schedules 787’s first flight for Tuesday

EVERETT — Two years late and after five major delays, the Boeing Co.’s 787 Dreamliner is tentatively set to make its first flight Tuesday, the company said late Thursday.

Boeing’s mostly composite Dreamliner could take to the skies as soon as 10 a.m., Tuesday, from Everett’s Paine Field. The jet will undergo taxi testing there in the coming days. The first flight date and time depend on weather conditions. And Boeing is still awaiting approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration

The company said earlier on Thursday that its Dreamliner had successfully cleared several tests required before first flight.

“We are pleased with the pace of progress in preparing to enter our flight test program,” said Scott Fancher, Boeing’s vice president of the 787 program.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

In June, Boeing executives assured customers at the Paris Air Show that their 787 would fly that month. But days later, the company announced that it had found a structural flaw in the 787’s side, causing an additional delay.

Boeing engineers devised a fix for the 787s already built and Machinists finished installing the modification on the first Dreamliner on Nov. 12. The company wrapped up static tests on the 787 on Nov. 30 During the tests, the wing and trailing edges of the airframe were subjected to the highest loads expected to be seen in service. On Thursday, Boeing said the static test results prove its Dreamliner is fit to fly.

Boeing also put the 787 through two days of rigorous tests meant to simulate the conditions the Dreamliner will experience in flight. Those tests were successful, Boeing said.

“We are very pleased with the results of this final functional testing,” Fancher said. “With the successful completion of static testing and this functional testing, our focus now moves to first flight.”

First flight signals the beginning of Boeing’s flight test program, during which the company will demonstrate to the FAA that its 787 lives up to flight and safety standards.

To meet its Tuesday first flight goal, the 787 will need some help from Mother Nature in the Puget Sound region.

In order to clear the 787 for its first flight, there will need to be good visibility, no standing water on the runway and gentle to no wind, said Yvonne Leach, spokeswoman for the 787 program.

The Dreamliner will take off from Everett’s Paine Field and land at Boeing Field in Seattle.

Boeing plans to deliver the first of its fuel-efficient 787s in the fourth quarter of 2010, more than two years behind schedule. There are 840 Dreamliner jets on order.

The Dreamliner will take off from Everett’s Paine Field and land at Boeing Field in Seattle.

Boeing plans to deliver the first of its fuel-efficient 787s in the fourth quarter of 2010, more than two years behind schedule. There are 840 Dreamliner jets on order.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development

David Irwin cited red flags from the developers. After he resigned, the county approved the development that’s now stalled with an appeal

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

Everett
Man stabbed in face outside Everett IHOP, may lose eye

Police say the suspect fled in the victim’s car, leading officers on a 6-mile chase before his arrest.

A person walks up 20th Street Southeast to look at the damage that closed the road on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
WA delegation urges Trump to reconsider request for bomb cyclone aid

The Washington state congressional delegation urged President Donald Trump on… Continue reading

Aaron Weinstock uses an x-ray machine toy inside the Imagine Children Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order

The federal grant supports a program that brings free science lessons to children throughout rural Snohomish County.

Snohomish County 911 Executive Director Kurt Mills talks about the improvements made in the new call center space during a tour of the building on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New 911 center in Everett built to survive disaster

The $67.5 million facility brings all emergency staff under one roof with seismic upgrades, wellness features and space to expand.

Everett
Five arrested in connection with Everett toddler’s 2024 overdose death

More than a year after 13-month-old died, Everett police make arrests in overdose case.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

A member of the Sheriff's office works around evidence as investigators work the scene on 20th Street SE near Route 9 after police shot and killed a man suspected in a car theft on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Family of Lake Stevens man shot by police sues over mental health care delays

Lawsuit says state failed to evaluate James Blancocotto before he was shot fleeing in a patrol car.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement

An annual report the county released May 22 details the condition of local bridges and future maintenance they may require.

Traffic moves north and south along the southbound side of the Highway 529 after the northbound lanes were closed due to a tunnel on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Southbound 529 to close near Marysville for four days for bridge work

WSDOT said the 24-hour-a-day closure is necessary to allow contractors to perform work on the aging Steamboat Slough Bridge.

The Edmonds City Council gathers to discuss annexing into South County Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community group presents vision for Edmonds’ fiscal future

Members from Keep Edmonds Vibrant suggested the council focus on revenue generation and a levy lid lift to address its budget crisis.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.