Korean Air has postponed its order for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner following repeated delays to the launch of an aircraft that is forecast to transform long-haul leisure flying.
The Korean carrier was due to be among the first airlines in the world to take delivery of the 787, now more than three years behind schedule. However, Korean Air has decided to wait for the development and production problems to be ironed out and has changed its order to take 10 of the enhanced Boeing 787-900s in 2016 – four years later than the previous 2012 delivery date.
The airline will use a series of Airbus A330s, added to its fleet since last year, as replacements for the missing 787s until 2016. Boeing now hopes to have the first 787 enter service later this year with All Nippon Airways of Japan.
However, production was delayed again following an in-flight fire on a 787 test aircraft at the end of last year. Thomson Airways will be the first UK airline to operate the 787, with the first due for delivery next year. British Airways is also due to be among the first in Europe to fly the aircraft.
The aircraft has a carbon-composite body which has allowed design changes that will enhance the experience of flying while consuming about 25% less fuel. The Dreamliner will be able to take off and land at smaller airports than current long-haul aircraft and fly direct on routes that now require refuelling stops.