Monarch Airlines managing director Tim Jeans said he does not expect the airline to receive its first 787 Dreamliner until 2011 at the earliest.
The airline had originally expected the first of six of the aircraft to be delivered by November 2010 but manufacturer Boeing is currently 10 months behind schedule due to “start-up issues” at its factory as well as issues with the global supply chain.
However, Jeans believes the knock-on effect will be far worse, adding: “(The new aircraft) is, at the very best, going to arrive in time for the 2011 summer season.
“Personally I’m doubtful even of that, I think you can expect the 787 to be a year late at best.”