Boeing has once again delayed the first deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner, the latest in a series of production snags that has pushed the airplane’s first commercial flight nearly three years behind schedule.
In a statement released on Friday, Boeing said it would not be able to deliver the first Dreamliners until “a few weeks into 2011.”
The reason? “Engine delivery problems,” according to the company. Earlier this week, however, the website FlightGlobal reported that one of the 787′s Rolls Royce engines had failed during a ground test in Great Britain. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since confirmed this report.
The 787 was supposed to be ready for delivery back in May of 2008, but numerous supply chain and design issues have forced multiple delays.
The plane’s maiden test flight took place eight months ago – shortly after Boeing announced that its second line of Dreamliners would be built at a facility in North Charleston, S.C. In choosing South Carolina, Boeing took advantage of an estimated $900 million incentive package – which has been the subject of intense debate.
Despite the ongoing delays, the fuel-efficient plane – which is made using composite materials – is by far Boeing’s most popular offering, receiving nearly 850 orders from 55 different customers.
By Butter August 27, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Come on Nikki. Tell us how you helped to design & engineer the thing. It was all your idea. And what you think matters.
By CNSYD August 27, 2010 at 4:01 pm
I was hoping they would just rush it into production. Why waste time on all those silly FAA tests and rules. If there is a problem with something it can just be fixed in flight, can’t it?
By C20H26N2O August 27, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Kelly Johnson could have delivered it on time. Boeing management has too many layers and too many administrative positions getting in the way of production. They should review Johnson’s 14 rules, interpolate them, and get off their ass. Designing a sub-sonic passenger airliner ain’t rocket science.
By Mayberry August 27, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Nikki is an expert in design, engineering, health care, accounting, infidelity……she is ready to run the state.
By Jerry August 28, 2010 at 10:39 am
Three years behind schedule….seems like they will fit right in here in SC. How much did we pay them to come here without union labor while the public education system does not even meet third world countries. Think people!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By CNSYD August 28, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Jerry, please explain to me how BMW and ICAR are failures due to non union labor and your statement of less than a third world education system. Seems it is Jap cars with the quality problems and not BMW.