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Dreamliner's Latest Estimated Takeoff: June

Troubled aircraft finally reaching last test stages

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 23, 2009 11:27 AM CDT
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(Newser) – After years of delays, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner may finally be finished. After a full on-the-ground simulation, one will leave the factory this week to take a place on the runway for a real test flight in June, the Seattle Times reports. Boeing lost 32 jet orders due to delays and the economic crisis, but still has 866. It expects more cancellations, but CEO Jim McNerney said reductions should be “modest.”

Workers cluster around a Boeing 787 at Boeing's airplane assembly plant in Everett, Wash., Jan. 30, 2009.
Workers cluster around a Boeing 787 at Boeing's airplane assembly plant in Everett, Wash., Jan. 30, 2009.   (AP Photo)
The second Boeing 787 being assembled is shown at Boeing Co.'s airplane assembly plant in Everett, Wash., Jan. 30, 2009.
The second Boeing 787 being assembled is shown at Boeing Co.'s airplane assembly plant in Everett, Wash., Jan. 30, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Boeing president and CEO Jim McNerney addresses a 2008 business conference in Seattle.
Boeing president and CEO Jim McNerney addresses a 2008 business conference in Seattle.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
MrBisme
Apr 24, 2009 12:32 PM CDT
Wow, I remember doing reports on this thing three years ago in college. It was supposed to make its maiden flight in the summer of 07 last I heard. Unbelievable.
oldgoat
Apr 24, 2009 9:01 AM CDT
Unbelievable? Considering that they are building something totall new and that they had suppliers from all over the world it is hardly unbeilevable. Remember the A 380 was also over 2 years late and it wasn't anything as groundbreaking as the 787. However I think boeing did learn a lesson that having so many suppliers spread out that it hurt the cause instead of helping.
Mr.C
Apr 24, 2009 2:21 AM CDT
reminds me of a construction company that worked for my family

If Dreamliner fails, so will Boeing
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Money • US

 
Boeing • Boeing 787 Dreamliner • airline • delay • production

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