Boeing confirms Dreamliner launch delayed to 2010

12 December 2008

The Boeing Co has confirmed a fourth delay for the prestigious 787 Dreamliner programme saying the bestselling aircraft won't reach customers until the first quarter of 2010, almost two years behind schedule.

The Dreamliner's first flight will not take place until next year's second quarter. The Chicago-headquartered company attributed fresh delays to a eight-week long strike by the company's machinists and also to problems faced in replacing fasteners.

Along with the revised schedule the company also announced a reorganization of its commercial aircraft set up, shifting managers and also creating a new position to monitor operations by suppliers, who have been held responsible for previous delays.

Pat Shanahan, brought in to reorganize the 787 programme last year, is now in charge of all commercial planes. Scott Fancher will handle the Dreamliner programme reporting directly to Shanahan, Boeing said.

The company also appointed Ray Conner, 53, a 30-year Boeing veteran, as in charge of supplier-management operations.

The 787 was due to enter service with launch customer All Nippon Airways Co. in May this year.