Boeing reaffirmed its 787 schedule today, saying that the company has “cleared all equipment for first flight” as it prepares for its maiden flight in the 2nd quarter.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Scott Carson called Airplane One “essentially factory complete.”
Carson added that Airplane One, which has been delayed by fastener problems and design changes, is currently undergoing integrated hardware and software testing at the company’s Everett, WA factory.
Carson cited several visible “mini-milestones” to look for in the weeks
to come, including a trip to the paint shop and commencement of
gauntlet tests to verify and validate systems integration, as well as
flight line ground and ship power testing to ensure the aircraft’s
self-sufficiency.
Carson was speaking at a JP Morgan Conference and said that “job one” for his company is flying, certifying and delivering on the 787 and 747-8 programs for customers.
The first 787-8, ship seven, is scheduled to enter service in the 1st quarter of 2010 with Japan’s All Nippon Airways.
This post was originally published to the internet between 2007 and 2012. Links, images, and embedded media from that era may no longer function as intended.
This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.