First 787s to arrive in 2011

Chicago-based Boeing is expected to deliver its first batch of 787 Dreamliner aircraft to China in the middle of next year.
James Albaugh, Boeing executive vice-president, said in Beijing, "We’ve had a number of supplier quality issues that have delayed airplane delivery, but we are working very hard to remedy these. We are through the most difficult part of the flight-test programs. We don’t envision any delays."
The aircraft manufacturer had planned to launch the 787 in 2008, but a parts shortage and redesign work caused delays. Boeing cited the availability of a Rolls-Royce engine – needed for test flights this fall – as a reason for the delay.
English People’s Daily Online reported that China’s airlines, which ordered a total of 60 787s at about US$200 million apiece, have not been significantly affected by the delays.