[photopress:dreamliner.gif,full,alignright]Boeing and Airbus need to seriously look at their planning systems. Compared to those of China they are very definitely third world.
Both are suffering the sort of delays which will make their major customers – think China – that it is quicker and better and cheaper to build the damn thing themselves.
Boeing has said the inaugural flight of its much-anticipated B787 would be delayed by up to three months to the end of the second quarter due to supply chain problems and slow progress on the assembly line.
The delay means Boeing will not be able to start delivering the plane until early 2009, rather than late 2008.
This is the third time Boeing has announced delays for the hot-selling airplane. Which makes is look like a very silly billy.
Scott Carson, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a statement, ‘The fundamental design and technologies of the 787 remain sound. However, we continue to be challenged by start-up issues in our factory and in our extended global supply chain.’
In other words we cannot make it on time. Perhaps a new approach is needed?
The B787, also called the Dreamliner, has been the most successful new jet launch in history with 817 orders, including 60 from five Chinese airlines – Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Shanghai Airlines.
Boeing China yesterday declined to say when China would receive its first B787 after the latest delay. Certainly this century. Almost without a doubt.
Air China was originally scheduled to receive two B787s in 2008, with one delivered in June. The aircraft will be used on its European or US routes. The Chinese flag carrier has ordered 15 B787s.
An unnamed official from the Beijing-based carrier yesterday said the airline was capable of adjusting its fleet to the delay.
Wu Yucun, an aviation analyst with Shenzhen-based Lianhe Securities said, ‘The B787 delay is unlikely to have a big impact on Chinese airlines ‘expansion given the relatively small number. ‘ He was just being kind.
Boeing builds its commercial airplanes in Seattle and has outsourced an unprecedented amount of the B787 program – including design and production – to manufacturers around the world. It wrestles with complex product development in terms of technology and program management.
Airbus’ flagship A380 superjumbo was delayed by nearly two years.
In other industries if these delays occured there would be tears before tea time. ‘We’re sorry your daily paper will not be available until next week but we are having trouble with ink.’
Source: China Daily
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