Flight tests of the new generation Boeing 787 Dreamliner have resumed in the hope of winning over US regulators after a series of technical problems and delays.
The US manufacturer said: “Boeing has resumed certification flight testing of the 787 Dreamliner today.”Four aircraft were back to “flight status” and two others “are expected to be flying again within the next week or so.”
Last month Boeing said it had installed updated power system software and conducted rigorous reviews to confirm flight readiness after it was forced to halt tests due to an electrical fire that forced an emergency landing.
The company has encountered numerous difficulties in bringing the aircraft to market due to its use of composite materials as well as integrating production in numerous sites.
Late last year, media reports said that the first delivery of the Dreamliner to All Nippon Airways – originally slated for February – may be delayed until the summer, potentially threatening huge deals with other airlines.
Thomson Airways and British Airways are among carriers with orders for the delayed Dreamliner.
The 787 has been billed as “bringing big-jet ranges to mid-sized airplanes” that are more fuel-efficient and better for the environment.
The company has said the Dreamliner will use 20% less fuel than existing similarly-sized aircraft while travelling at the same top speeds.