The current state of play with the Boeing 787 seems to be very much fluid at the moment, with the aircraft company all but confirming Steven Udvar-Hazy’s comments regarding another substantial delay.
The latest issues surround the Fuji Industries manufactured wing box, which has been the subject of weight reduction exercises. This has apparently weakened the structure to the point where premature failure could occur, and a major redesign looks inevitable.
Quite where this leaves the 787 will become clearer at the April update. Unfortunately Boeing is not being totally forthcoming at the moment and instead using industryspeak such as “traveled work” rather than give a clear and simple explanation of what’s what.
ILFC however looks likely to increase their order, and there have been no cancellations as slots are at a premium. Just how much more time is needed to solve the weight, wing box, electronics and substandard contractor performance remains to be seen. All Nippon now look to have at least 15 months or even longer to wait until their first aircraft eventually flies in passenger service.
That is assuming flight testing goes 100% perfectly.
