Boeing's updated schedule for the 787 Dreamliner programme now sets the aircraft's first flight for the second quarter of 2009 with first delivery into the first quarter of 2010, maintaining the aggressive flight test programme which has been planned. The new schedule reflects the impact of disruption caused by the recent machinists' strike along with the requirement to replace certain fasteners in early production aeroplanes.
"Our industry team has made progress with structural testing, systems hardware qualification, and production, but we must adjust our schedule for these two unexpected disruptions," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Scott Carson.
Prior to the strike, which lasted from early September into November, the 787 was due to make its first flight by the year end. First delivery was slated for the third quarter of 2009.
Included in the preparations for first flight, said Pat Shanahan, 787 programme vice-president, are finalising and incorporating remaining engineering changes and completing systems testing, qualifications and certification.
Boeing is evaluating the specific impact of this delay on customer delivery dates and will provide customers (including low-fare operators such as Jetstar and Monarch) with updated schedules once completed. The company is also determining any financial impact from this schedule change and will incorporate that into updated financial and overall aircraft delivery guidance that will be released at a later date.
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