BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Boeing announced on Wednesday a third delay in the delivery of 787 Dreamliner, predicting the delivery of 25 planes in the third quarter of 2009, more than a year behind the original schedule.
Initially, Boeing had planned to deliver its first plane in May 2008, with 109 expected to be in production by 2009.
The 787 Dreamliner has been the most popular program in Boeing history. With innovations like a lightweight composite airframe and more fuel-efficient engines, the 787 can fly farther on less fuel.
A total of 61 airlines have rushed in to place orders for 892 planes.
The latest postponement is related to a shortage of parts and to problems within Boeing's global supply chain, which has been unable to deliver parts to the company's assembly plants in Everett, Wash., on schedule.
In addition, the company found that it needs to strengthen the design of its center wing box, a critical component that attaches the wings to the plane, adding to its cost and its weight.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Chief Executive Officer Scott Carlson said the new schedule is "built upon an achievable, high-confidence plan," but added, "we deeply regret the disruption and disappointment these changes will cause for our customers."
Many Boeing customers waiting for their 787s expressed disappointment but declined to say whether they would seek compensation for the delays.
All Nippon Airways of Japan, which has 50 planes on order and was to be the first to receive the plane, said it was "extremely disappointed" in the delay and that it was considering seeking compensation.
