Boeing may announce fourth delay to 787 programme

New York: Sometime over the next ten days or so Boeing Co may announce further delays in its 787 Dreamliner programme after assessing the impact on its production schedules of a two-month strike by its machinists as well as a number of other production problems.

The aerospace and defence giant has already postponed the 787's first test flight until 2009, from an already re-scheduled end-of-year flight plan. Industry experts now feel that first deliveries of the carbon-composite plane will take place only in 2010, about two years behind the original delivery date.

If announced, the latest delay will be Boeing's fourth for the 787 programme.

The programme has been beset by a number of problems ranging from a shortage of bolts to software glitches and sub-standard work from suppliers.

The plane is also heavier than its original design, which can affect performance bringing down the range and fuel-efficiency of the aircraft, both of which were amongst the prime reasons for the aircraft to become a best-seller.

Boeing had said at the end of the strike by machinists in early November that it would update all its delivery schedules, without giving a time frame when it would make the announcement.

The airlines immediately affected by delays are launch customer Japan's All Nippon Airways, rival Japan Airlines Corp, and US airlines Northwest, now part of Delta Air Lines, and Continental Airlines Inc.