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Qantas Cancels Massive Boeing Order

Order for 15 Dreamliners scrapped as craft's test flight is delayed again

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 26, 2009 1:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – Qantas Airways has dealt a heavy blow to Boeing's troubled Dreamliner project with the cancellation of a major order, Bloomberg reports. The Australian airline scrapped an order for 15 of the 787s, and deferred an order for 15 more. Qantas said the move was due to industry conditions and not delays with the aircraft, which is already two years behind schedule.

Boeing announced earlier this week that the aircraft's first test flight has been delayed for a fifth time. "It wouldn't surprise me at all if we see more deferrals and more cancellations," said one analyst. "The aviation industry is suffering very badly. The Boeing delays give the airlines an opportunity to pull out or defer."

[Images (2)]

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A Qantas jet is seen above another at Sydney Airport in Australia. Qantas has canceled or deferred orders for 30 Boeing 787s. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)

The Boeing 787 line is shown at Boeing's airplane assembly plant in Everett, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

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There is a disconnect and communication issue between management and what's happening in the factory. That's got people asking questions and shaking confidence in Boeing.
- Aviation analyst Michel Mernazeau

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Qantas Cancels Massive Boeing Order