Boeing pushes back delivery of larger version of 787 Dreamliner
27 Oct 2011
The Boeing Co has delayed initial delivery of a second, larger version of the 787-8 Dreamliner, saying it now expects to deliver the 787-9, a bigger variant, in early 2014 rather than late 2013.
Boeing's made the disclosure in its third-quarter financial report with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Boeing delivered the first Dreamliner version to launch customer All Nippon Airways Co three years behind schedule.
The Chicago-headquartered company recently completed its design review for the 787-9, a longer-range version of the base version that some airlines prefer.
The 787-9 is designed to carry 250 to 290 passengers, compared with 210 to 250 seats offered by the base model 787-8. This model was plagued by production problems that have resulted in billions of dollars in cost overruns.
"We have assessed the schedule, and first delivery is now expected in early 2014, although we continue to look for opportunities to regain schedule," the company said in Wednesday's filing.
The launch customer for the 787-9 is Air New Zealand.
Last week, Air New Zealand chief executive, Rob Fyfe, said his company was seeking further compensation from Boeing over continued delays in the delivery of its Dreamliner, which Air New Zealand said it wasn't expecting until mid-2014.
