Delivery of the first new generation Boeing 787 Dreamliner could face further delays, the US manufacturer has confirmed.
Already more than two years behind schedule, the first Dreamliner due to enter service at the end of the year with All Nippon Airways, may be a “few weeks” late.
“First delivery continues to be planned for the end of this year, although there is added pressure to the schedule and risk that initial delivery may move a few weeks as the company completes flight test and certification requirements,” Boeing said.
The 787 programme continued flight test during the quarter ending June 30, as a fifth aircraft joined the four already in the flight test programme.
The Dreamliner completed key flight test milestones, including extreme weather, icing and cruise performance testing.
Boeing has 863 firm orders for 787s from 56 customers including Thomson Airways and British Airways.
The update came as Boeing reported reduced second-quarter net profit of $787 million on revenue of $15.6 billion against a profit of $998 million on revenue of $17.1 billion in the same period last year.
Chairman Jim McNerney said: “Continued strong results from our major businesses drove another solid quarter of operational performance for the company.
“With our commercial markets recovering, and the priorities of our government customers gaining clarity, we remain well positioned for growth in 2011 and beyond.”
The company continues to expect that 2011 revenue will be higher than 2010, primarily driven by projected 787 and 747-8 deliveries, Boeing added.