Fri, Oct 01, 2010
Fifth Aircraft Added To Flight Test Fleet
In an announcement that has, frankly, been telegraphed for the
past several months, Boeing said Thursday it was changing the
schedule for the 747-8 Freighter with first delivery now expected
mid-year 2011. The company also announced steps it is taking to
support the new schedule, including adding a fifth airplane to the
flight-test fleet.
File Photo
The company previously indicated that, following recent
flight-test discoveries, there was a high probability the first
747-8 Freighter delivery would move into 2011. The new delivery
schedule follows a thorough assessment of the expected cumulative
impact of these discoveries, which include a low-frequency
vibration in certain flight conditions and an underperforming
aileron actuator. While neither issue requires structural changes
to the airplane, they have led to disruptions to certification
testing, which the program was unable to offset within the prior
schedule.
This schedule change is not expected to have a material impact
on Boeing's 2010 financial results.
File Photo
"We understand the issues encountered in flight test and are
working through the solutions," said Pat Shanahan, vice president
and general manager, Airplane Programs, Boeing Commercial
Airplanes. "We recognize our customers are eager to add the 747-8
Freighter to their fleets, and we understand and regret any impact
this schedule change may have on their plans to begin service with
the airplane. With that said, the 747-8 Freighter is demonstrating
the capabilities our customers need to be successful and we are
confident in the value it will bring them upon certification and
delivery next year."
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