Beoing 787 Dreamliner’s First Flight & Delivery Post-Poned

For those of you who were simply crossing your fingers in anticipation, I’m afraid the news is that Boeing has pushed back the first flight of the 787 Dreamliner to the second quarter of 2009, and the first delivery is now scheduled for the first quarter of 2010.

The delays are partly for the recent Machinist’s strike – between September to November – as well as some technical upgrades to be implemented.

Boeing says that their team is improving its structural testing and systems hardware qualification, as well as production strategies.

“We’re laser focused on what needs to be done to prepare for first flight,” said 787 program vice president, Pat Shanahan. There are remaining engineering changes which will also need to be finalised.

Initially the 787 Dreamliner’s debut flight was scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2008, and the first delivery to be in the third quarter of 2009.

(Above: A proposed movie theater for the 787 Dreamliner by Lufthansa Technik)

(Above: A proposed bedroom suite for the 787 Dreamliner by Lufthansa Technik)

Sources: e-Travel Blackboard, CanadianMarketingBlog