Boeing asserts 787 on schedule for first flight this year
19 Oct 2009
Boeing Co has reiterated that its troubled 787 Dreamliner programme remains on schedule to fly this year. The company was responding to media speculation that the programme may suffer more delays because of the complex side-of-body modification.
Boeing VP and GM-787 Dreamliner Program Scott Fancher issued a statement late last week claiming that the aircraft was on schedule to fly this year. "The design of the side-of-body solution is on track. Installations of the fittings are proceeding well and we are pleased with the progress we are making on this important effort. We continue to be on track to fly the 787 by the end of the year," Fancher said.
The manufacturer will deliver a more comprehensive review of the program's status on 21 October as part of its third-quarter earnings call.
Last week media speculation, quoting unnamed sources on the 787 production line, had it that that some parts of the side-body solution needed redesign. If correct then first flight of the aircraft would have been pushed into 2010.
