Well it’s taken long enough. And I do mean it in the nicest possible way.
Boeing has finally had type certification for the 787 “Dreamliner” aircraft from the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency, allowing it to formally deliver the aircraft and for customers to use it.
The flight test programme has been extensive with over 4,645 flight hours logged, using a total of 6 aircraft.
Boeing is still on target to deliver the first 787 to All Nippon Airways (ANA) on 26 September, with a flight taking off from Everett on 27 September and arriving in Tokyo on 28 September.
The programme has been rumbling on since 2003 and the long protracted development, testing and the delays the 787 has suffered since then.
It’s taken Boeing time to get this far, but it seems they’re finally ready to realise the fruits of the work, but it’s getting to the point where the 787 will start to earn money… and we’ll see if the gamble that Boeing made in 2003 finally pays off.
