Article Posted on : - Dec 31, 2008

Boeing factory in Washington full with 787 Dreamliners. Boeing photo

WASHINGTON (BNS): The Dreamliner would continue to remain a dream for another year. Boeing's announcement that it would not be able to launch 787, also known as Dreamliner, before 2010 has put a spanner in expansion plans of several carriers.

Dreamliner, considered to be the most modern and fuel efficient wide-bodied aircraft, was eagerly awaited in the aviation industry. If Boeing fulfils all the advertised performance claims of the new aircraft, the 787 will bring a change in way the people fly.

The launch has already been delayed by two years sending depressing signals to airlines. Delta, a leading American airline, had planned to ply 787 on its new Detroit-Shanghai route. But the route inauguration will not be held before June next year. Delta's partner Northwest Airlines had ordered 18 Dreamliners.

The international expansion plan of Delta and Northwest would center on Dreamliner. The current fleet has 747s, Airbus 330s. The long-range routes are covered by 777s, which have longer range than 787s.

Apart from the meltdown, the strike by union machinists led to further delays. The delivery schedules have been disrupted by the strike. Boeing has a substantial number of orders to meet for Dreamliners. China Southern was another airline, which had planned to use the aircraft on Beijing-Detroit route.

Air New Zealand is worried that it would not be able to get deliveries of their Dreamliner jets by 2013. A statement released by the airline claimed that it has received confirmation from Boeing that it can expect further delays in the delivery of the aircraft. The carrier had ordered eight aircraft and the first delivery was expected to take place at the end of 2010. Boeing has informed that it would not be able to deliver the aircraft until 2012.

Air New Zealand is now seeking compensation from the manufacturer for the delay. The company is yet to give a reason for its failure to fulfill commitment. Apart from the strike, there were some problems with availability of key equipment. Even the flight trials have been delayed. The first flight was scheduled for 2007. The first Boeing 787
will be delivered to Nippon Airways of Japan.