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By Tesfu Telahoun - Capital
18 October, 2007
The world’s most successful manufacturer of passenger aircraft, The Boeing Company, has unexpectedly announced that the roll-out of the 787 Dreamliner will be delayed by up to six months.
The advanced airliner is made largely from composite new age materials and was expected to enter service in 2008, including with Africa launch customer Ethiopian Airlines, which has ordered 12 of the super-efficient aircraft in what is its most expensive acquisition program since it was established over 60 years ago. The announcement by Boeing of a six month extension to the world-wide delivery of the 787 is highly unwelcome news for Ethiopian Airlines, which has been vigorously promoting the arrival of the new airliners.
Boeing has on its books firm orders for over 770 Dreamliners and has leaped ahead of one time rival Airbus in the global civilian aviation industry. Airbus’ gamble with the A380 failed miserably, ending the brief market dominance of the European plane maker.
Boeing cited a parts scarcity and a large backlog of orders for the delay, news of which has not overly affected the company’s share price.
Ethiopian Airlines is recording unprecedented growth in passenger and freight volume and currently leases an unspecified number of aircraft to meet demand.