Engineering snags put Boeing 747-8 roll out timing at risk

BOEING has taken a US$1 billion pre-tax charge against its third-quarter results to counter higher production costs for its 747-8 programme, largely attributed to a timing overlap with the 787 schedule resulting in a shortage of engineering resources.

Aviation International News reported that the manufacturer is expected to push back the delivery of the first 787-8 to inaugural customer, Cargolux, until early next year. Previous plans to release three prototypes by the end of this year have been scrapped.

The 787 can carry 23 to 154 tonnes more than a standard 747-400F, and fly 1,400 to 4,390 nautical miles farther depending on cargo density.

With 16 per cent more cargo volume - up to seven more standard containers - and a 16 per cent lower ton-mile costs, it's no wonder Boeing has already secured up to 78 orders with a variety of customers, including Emirates, Korean Air, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Atlas Air Cargo, Nippon Cargo, Guggenheim, Cathay Pacific and Volga Dnepr.

Boeing's passenger version of the 747-8 meanwhile, continues to remain slated for delivery in the last quarter of 2011.
 

Source: SchedNet