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Dreamliner Delayed Again

Issues in supply chain, flight software slow production of Boeing's new jet

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 5, 2007 3:14 PM CDT

(Newser) – The maiden flight of Boeing's next-generation jet, the 787 Dreamliner, has been delayed until November or December, the manufacturer announced today, blaming problems in the supply chain and flight-control software. Nevertheless, the Seattle Times reports, Boeing remains on schedule—with much less room for error—to deliver the first aircraft to a Japanese airliner in May.

The company said partners hadn't completed work on the first jet's airframe as scheduled, nor correctly documented remaining issues. Problems in coding and integrating the flight-control software are also contributing to the delay of the 787's first flight, originally scheduled for late September or early October. Boeing says it has orders for 706 planes from 48 companies.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

The first Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner takes shape in the assembly plant in Everett, Wash., in this May 21, 2007 file photo. (Associated Press)

A visitor holds up a U.S. flag as he views the first production model of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane after it was unveiled to an audience of several thousand employees, airline executives,... (Associated Press)

Bob Sels, of Reading, PA., holds the U.S. flag as he views the first production model of the new Boeing 787 airplane after it was unveiled to an audience of several thousand employees, airline executives,... (Associated Press)

The first production model of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane is unveiled to an audience of several thousand employees, airline executives, and dignitaries during a ceremony in this July 8, 2007... (Associated Press)

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Dreamliner Delayed Again