Boeing hit by further delays April 10th, 2008

Boeing has blamed supplier issues and problems with assembly for the latest delays to the launch of its 787 Dreamliner. The first customer, All Nippon Airways, was expected to receive the newly designed plane in early 2009. This date has been put back until at least the third quarter of 2009. There is then the small matter of another 800+ planes to be built so that Boeing can fulfil its current order book.

Boeing have sold the plane on the basis that it is expected to offer upto 20% greater fuel efficiency than its rivals. It will also be able to fly longer distances than similar sized planes, meaning it will enable carriers to offer more direct flights to long haul destinations.