Boeing’s Dreamliner Still on the Ground

Boeing unveiled the 787 Dreamliner in July, “the world’s first mostly composite commercial airplane” expected to burn 20% less fuel than comparable aircrafts. It will fly faster, farther, quieter and more efficiently than any other medium-sized jet, when it flies that is.

The “environmentally progressive” aircraft uses advanced composite design with lighter carbon-fiber materials. The wings, tail, nose and flight deck have been engineered for maximum aerodynamic streamlining. Less weight, less resistance, less fuel, less emissions. And less than on time.

CNN reported yesterday that the Dreamliner:

…will be at least six months late. Acknowledging that early problems assembling the first 787s have disrupted its schedule, the aerospace company said Wednesday it is delaying initial deliveries of the ballyhooed aircraft by six months. Instead of next May, the first deliveries are now targeted for late November or December 2008.

This latest setback isn’t expected to affect the company’s earnings, but their shares on the NYSE did take a dive after the announcement, down 2.5%. I will keep you posted.

In the meantime, take a look and let me know what you think about Boeing’s Dreamliner.

More on the Dreamliner:

• Boeing Dreamliner delayed at CNN Money
• Boeing gives first peek at the Dreamliner at New York Times
• Boeing unveils lean, clean Dreamliner 787 at New Scientist
• Boeing celebrates the premiere of the 787 Dreamliner at Boeing

More on air travel:

• Airplane Contrails Boost Global Warming, Study Suggests at Nat’l Geo
• Green sky thinking at New Scientist (abstract, fee for full article)

Photo: Reuters/Robert Sorbo