Boeing have formally handed over and delivered the first production Boeing 787 aircraft to All Nippon Airways yesterday, which marks a big landmark for the 787 programme – a delivery to the customer.
The ceremonial handing over of the keys (and the cash in Boeing’s bank account) now complete, the first production frame will be heading off to Japan today (26th September), and will arrive on the 28th September in Japan.
From there is has a pretty tough schedule to meet it’s initial charter flights, and planned entry into service on the 1st November.
For those geekly inclinded, this is “Airplane Eight” out of the 787 factory line, and is registered as JA801A. Just look for the chevron engines – you can’t miss it.
However, the first missions of these have been largely dictated by the weight of the aircraft (which as a new aircraft – is over), limiting it to Regional (Asia Regional) and Domestic runs until the lighter weight aircraft come on stream.
We’re nearing that magic point in the programme. Boeing has now “made money” from the product – it’s now down to ANA to see if they can deliver the promise of the 787.
