Boeing 787 Dreamliner launch customer All Nippon Airways is to start flight testing one of the new generation aircraft after years of technical delays.
The manufacturer’s second test aircraft will be used to simulate operations between several airports across the airline’s domestic network from July 4. Trips between Haneda airport in Tokyo and airports in Osaka, Okayama and Hiroshima are planned.
Boeing hopes to deliver the first of 55 Dreamliners ordered by ANA in either August or September. Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 programme, said:
“We’ve put the airplane through its paces in a rigorous flight test programme. Now, as we get closer to first delivery, we’ll prove out its capabilities and reliability in a revenue-like environment.”
ANA president and chief executive Shinichiro Ito said: “ANA is eager to introduce the innovative 787 Dreamliner to Japan. Giving our employees the opportunity to gain experience with the airplane will help ensure a smoother entry into service later this year.”