Boeing’s New Aircraft Update

“If you thought we would announce that the 787 made its first flight during the air show, you are going to be disappointed,” said Scott Carson, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Aircraft, at the Paris air exposition. “But the aircraft will fly in the second quarter of this year, which means within the next two weeks.” He also confirmed that configuration of the 787-9 version, succeeding the 787-8, will be completed “by late this year.” Carson reported that Boeing has orders for 860 Dreamliners from customers spread around the world. The first 787 delivery is expected in the first quarter 2010, to launch customer All Nippon Airways (ANA). Regarding other aircraft developments at Boeing, Carson said the 747F is in final assembly and will make its maiden flight before the end of 2009. Initial deliveries of latest 747 freighter variant are scheduled for 2011, to launch customer Cargolux.  Meanwhile, a new wing has been designed for the 747I (Intercontinental — passenger variant), according to Carson. Two 747-8Is are planned for the model’s certification effort. Boeing has a freighter version of the 777 parked at the air show. Carson also mentioned Boeing’s plans to have an enhanced-performance 737, able to provide two percent better fuel consumption, produced by mid 2011, and that the P-8A government operations aircraft (a 737 variant for antisubmarine/antisurface warfare and surveillance and reconnaissance) has been in flight test for two months. While announcing new derivatives and aircraft updates, however, Carson emphasized that Boeing’s “current first priority is to market the 787 and new 747.”
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