Boeing reports fourth delay in Dreamliner delivery

Boeing has announced that the delivery date for its first 787 Dreamliner is delayed, now for the fourth time. The manufacturer has cited production problems as the reason for the most recent delay, which could cost the aircraft company billions in airline compensation claims.

First deliveries were originally planned for the first half of this year, but will now be delayed until 2010, according to a statement issued by the company. Problems with the plane’s computers and uncertainties about how long government regulators will take to approve the aircraft are among the reasons for this latest delay.

In November, Boeing had to postpone the Dreamliner’s first test flight, due to problems with fasteners that hold the plane together and the machinist strike that lasted for 59 days.

Airlines with Dreamliners on order include Air New Zealand, British Airways, JAL, Monarch, Qantas, TUI and Virgin Atlantic. Some of the carriers have been informed that they will have to wait at least two years longer than originally indicated for delivery.

Virgin Atlantic has 15 of the 787s on order, and had expected delivery of the aircraft in 2011. A spokesman for the carrier is now saying that the Dreamliners are not expected until 2013.

“We remain in talks with Boeing about possible compensation. In the meantime, we are in discussions with Boeing, Airbus and plane leasing companies about new aircraft that we can obtain from 2011,” the spokesman said.

Thanks to www.telegraph.co.uk for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

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