Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Qatar Airways not taking delivery of 787 on Aug. 22, LAN appears to be next delivery.

Saj Ahmad of Strategic Aero Research told me that Qatar Airways will not be taking delivery of their first 787 today. This news coupled with LAN's announcement that they will accept their first 787 on Aug. 30/31 and that they will be the fourth worldwide operator of the Dreamliner indicates that 1) Qatar Airways won't take delivery until around September (though that could always change) and 2) given that the other 787s that are in test flight will not be ready for delivery within the next one week. Boeing may end up with only four aircraft delivered this month.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've been following the development of the 787 faithfully for years.

Wish I could say this development is surprising. But, alas, it's becoming the norm.

graeme77 said...

Sounds like that nasty Al Baker character is "teaching" Boeing a lesson...

TurtleLuv said...

so if boeing is lucky enough to deliver to LAN on the 31st, that means they're averaging less than 2 787's delivered per month in 2012, and have yet to be able to get more than 3 out in one month. Not looking too good for them reaching 10 a month next year. these planes just seem to languish around forever before they finally fly off to the customer.

it's especially frustrating being on the outside and not knowing why these airlines are all so resistant to taking their "state of the art" planes. you'd think they'd be champing at the bit to get them operating, but it's nothing but delay delay delay.

SonomaFlyer said...

Some of the airlines may have issues with the GE engine situation. Some may have financing issues and Al Baker may just be grumpy :)

Regardless, I think this will all be sorted out before long. The a/c leaving the factory have minimal tasks required before they are ready for their B1 flights. This time next year, they will be cranking them out.

Johanny said...

-35 B787-9s on the orders list from Qantas

http://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-cancels-order-for-35-boeing-787-dreamliners?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=flipper&utm_campaign=home-flipper

Capt747ret said...

Boeing should send Qatar’s finished frames to Charleston to sit beside the growing parking lot of Air India frames languishing there. It would also give Boeing time to add a lot more ramp space for the growing collection at CHS. This would also free up additional spots in Everett for 787’s that are wanted by well-run airlines.

Boeing should consider charging the public to take tours.

Michael Lowrey said...

The Qatar aircraft was flying with a temporary N registration today. So something weird is up -- additional airline specific certification requirement?