Chinese airlines request delays on 787 deliveries

Chinese airlines are seeking further delays in deliveries of 787 Dreamliner jets made by US firm Boeing, Reuters reported. Boeing has repeatedly postponed production of the aircraft due to supply, manufacturing and design problems, as well as strikes by Seattle-based workers. However, David Wang, president of Boeing’s China operations, said Chinese airlines had asked for further delays. "Based on our delay, we could have aircraft for them by the end of next year, but it’s too early for them. Actually they are supposed to get some of the early positions, but they would rather have some of the later positions now," Wang said. Chinese airlines have ordered 60 787 jets, but poor financial performance has led many to cut back on capital expenditures. China Eastern Airlines has said it would consider canceling its orders for nine of the Boeing jets.