Boeing Delays 787's Maiden Flight Again, Making ANA Nervous

TOKYO (Nikkei)--U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. said Tuesday that it will postpone the first flight of its 787 Dreamliner, a move that could push back delivery of the product to All Nippon Airways Co.

ANA had expected to receive the first 787 in the January-March quarter. But now the delivery could be delayed until fiscal 2010. Boeing engineers have found additional stress where the wings attach to the sides of the plane, necessitating modifications. ANA has ordered 50 units of Boeing 787 as the successor to the 767. The first 787 had originally been slated for delivery to the Japanese airline in May 2008 -- a deadline that has already been pushed back four times by development delays.

"We will ask Boeing to make the timetable clear as soon as possible," an ANA public relations representative said.

(The Nikkei June 24 morning edition)