Dreamliner now a reality
After persistent delays, Boeing’s long-awaited 787 Dreamliner became a reality as it was formally delivered to its first Japanese customer.
According to Reuters, the US$200 million 787:
- Will provide 20 percent fuel savings (a timely issue since airlines are struggling with higher fuel prices
- Will give passengers a more comfortable ride with better cabin air
- Passenger will also appreciate the large electronically dimmable windows with better views
Boeing has taken orders for 821 Dreamliners, which will compete with the future Airbus A350, due in 2013.
“In a classic roll of the dice in the high-stakes aerospace industry, Boeing abandoned plans for a sound barrier-chasing ‘Sonic Cruiser’ a decade ago and worked on lighter long-range jets as cash-starved airlines valued efficiency over speed,” according to Reuters.
The plane's lighter weight allows airlines to operate routes even when the demand is insufficient for larger aircraft like the Boeing 777 or 747, or the Airbus 380 superjumbo.
The 787 development program has been delayed seven times due to challenges with engineering and other issues. These included supply chain glitches and a 58-day labor strike in 2008.
The Seattle Times reported that 787 program costs had topped $32 billion due to delays. That estimate raised questions, the newspaper said, over whether the new jet would make money for Boeing before "well into the 2020s, if ever."
Boeing declined comment.
Analysts say new jets typically cost closer to $15 billion.
Boeing also faces Wall Street concerns over its ability to reach its target of lifting output to 10 planes a month by 2013.
"Boeing still has to achieve a smooth production ramp-up and still has to do rework on some 40 airplanes that it says will take years to complete," aerospace analyst Scott Hamilton said.
By David Wilkening
David
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