Dreamliner on Schedule

Seattle, Wash. - December 31, 2007 – For Boeing, its dream will come true in 2008 as its long-awaited Dreamliner 787 is scheduled to take flight. Aero-News Network reported that Boeing’s new super-efficient airplane is on track for a first flight in early 2008, and will enter service by the end of the year. Earlier this month, Boeing reported that its production line is full for the Dreamliner, with work continuing on the first flight-test airplane and two airplanes to be used for static and fatigue testing. During a webcast quarterly program update, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Scott Carson said Boeing plans to produce 40 aircraft in 2008, and another 69 planes in 2009 -- numbers Boeing first quoted in October when the manufacturer announced a six-month delay to the 787 because of supplier and production issues. Carson said "significant supply chain wrinkles" continue to pose problems for the first batch of aircraft, though he notes parts shortages are easing, particularly for the specialized fasteners needed to join the plane's composite "barrel" sections. While he says there's cause for optimism, Pat Shanahan, 787 program chief, said Boeing’s plans to ship 109 Dreamliners by the end of 2009 provided no major problems are discovered in flight testing. In related news, Boeing and British Airways announced Dec. 27 that they have finalized an order for eight Boeing 787-8s and 16 787-9s, raising the total number of 787s ordered worldwide from 766 to 790. The order is valued at $4.4 billion at list prices. British Airways also placed options for 18 787s and purchase rights for an additional 10. Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive, said: "The 787 … will provide major environmental improvements in terms of global emissions, local air quality and noise. With lower operating costs and the range to fly to all our destinations, it will give us more flexibility when planning our route network…” With 790 orders in three years, the 787 is the most successful airplane launch in aviation history, according to Boeing.

This photo shows Airplane #1 in the third position, where final structure and systems installations are completed. Behind it, the static-test airplane is in the second position, where it will receive landing gear, engines, and any required interior installations. More Information Boeing Dreamliner 787

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