Boeing Dreamliner postponed again
Filed Under News
For the fourth time, the Boeing 787 will be postponed again. Instead of test flights that should be commencing earlier next year, the aircraft manufacturing giant once again pushed the testing date to the 2nd quarter of 2009. This is certainly a big blow to the already ailing travel industry as demands for better performing planes with lesser fuel requirements are increasing. Even before completion and with further delays, Boeing now has at least 800 orders for the later-to-be-tested Dreamliner.
The factors that contributed to the delay of production have been numerous. Parts that will contribute to the reduction of weight in the aircraft are more difficult to be manufactured. Boeing has also implemented changes on the design which has also significantly slowed down production.
Aside from design and parts problems, the company has just experienced a 58-day strike by the company’s machinists. Negotiations with workers have seen success but the damage has been done as the company has forced delay on production.
The Boeing 787 promises to be a radical aircraft. The airline is supposed to be lighter which means lesser fuel consumption. Boeing even claims that it will consume the same fuel amount of smaller aircrafts. The time of flight will also increase so that travelling to more destinations will now be possible.
Even with delays, the company hopes to release the first 787 in 2010. ANA or All Nippon Airways is the first airline who will be receiving the 787 which also means the first airline company to fly the long delayed Dreamliner commercially.
