The long wait for the launch of Boeing’s B787 Dreamliner aircraft is nearly at an end, with launch customer ANA announcing that it will take delivery of the first aircraft on September 26.
The aircraft was originally due to go into service back in 2008, but a series of complications including a strike by Boeing engineers, and an onboard fire during testing have resulted in the delivery being pushed back by some three years.
However both Boeing and ANA are now confident enough to specify a delivery date, with president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Jim Albaugh saying:
“The airplane is ready. ANA is ready. And, Boeing is ready. This airplane begins a new chapter in aviation history.”
Contractual delivery will actually take place on September 25 at the manufacturer’s base in Everett, Washington, with a celebration event the following day. The aircraft will then be flown to Tokyo, arriving on September 28.
ANA says that events in both Everett and Tokyo will be show live on the internet, with more details to follow.
Business Traveller has reported extensively on the launch of the Dreamliner aircraft in recent months – click on the relevant links below, or visit our dedicated Dreamliner section at businesstraveller.com/tags/Dreamliner.
For more information visit ana.co.jp.
Report by Mark Caswell
