787 Dreamliner delivery pushed back to 2011

Tokyo: Boeing's much-delayed 787 Dreamliner project stumbled yet again with the Chicago-head-quartered aerospace giant saying Friday engine-related issues would delay delivery of the futuristic aircraft to the first quarter of 2011. The programme is already delayed by close to three years.

The announcement came on the heels of a warning in July that a further delay was likely.

Boeing said the latest setback was a result of problems faced by Rolls-Royce with engines intended to power the plane.

"While Boeing works closely with Rolls-Royce to expedite engine availability, flight testing across the test fleet continues as planned," Boeing said.

Rolls-Royce tried to soothe frayed nerves in the airlines industry by saying it was working closely with Boeing to ensure early delivery of engines.

The much-awaited futuristic aircraft, which has created an aviation industry record by being the largest selling aircraft before launch, promises customers big advances in aviation technology and up to 20 per cent fuel savings on the long-haul routes it is meant to fly.