Boeing: Dreamliner on Schedule

Boeing said today that it remains committed to delivering 109 Dreamliners by the end of 2009 despite persistent supply-chain problems, the Chicago Tribune reports. Although the aviation giant expects to eventually be able to produce one plane in 3 days, the first six—which will be used for test flights—won’t be finished until the second quarter of 2008.

The 787 Dreamliner is the first Boeing plane to use a far-flung network of suppliers who produce large components that snap together. Although more than 75% of suppliers are having trouble meeting Boeing’s standards, the company is optimistic: "Our ramp up is aggressive, but we have not found any fundamental flaws to say it's not doable," said one exec. (More Boeing 787 Dreamliner stories.)