• 787-8 Dreamliner
    Boeing
    Stock Code:
    BA
    Date Founded:
    1916-07-15
    CEO:
    Dave Calhoun
    Headquarters Location:
    Chicago, USA
    Key Product Lines:
    Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787
    Business Type:
    Planemaker

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is reportedly preparing to resume deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft, according to Citi. This would be Boeing’s first 787 delivery in over a year, after deliveries were suspended in May 2021.

The source observed a small number of Boeing 787s being moved out of storage facilities and taking several local pre-delivery flights. It is typical for an aircraft to perform a series of local flights prior to being handed over to the airline customer.

Boeing 787-9 Assembly Line
Photo: Boeing

Citi analyst, Charles Armitage, said in a note to clients on Friday,

"[Around] four of the planes we tracked had multiple short, same State flights. We have observed the same set of planes, three American Airlines, one British Airways, continuing to take short local flights. While we still do not propose a specific time frame for 787 deliveries, we reiterate our view that these planes are being prepared in anticipation of delivery. To us, this would indicate that Boeing are optimistic regarding FAA clearance."

The manufacturer has previously stated its intentions to resume deliveries this summer. When contacted by Simple Flying for further comment, Boeing stated, "We continue to work with the FAA towards resuming 787 deliveries."

Deliveries suspended in May 2021

Deliveries of the Boeing 787 were halted by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in May 2021 due to production flaws and concerns over Boeing’s inspection methods. The FAA then declared in February of this year that it would not allow Boeing to self-certify the completion of each 787 aircraft.

As a result, the FAA itself must now complete the final airworthiness sign-off for each individual 787 aircraft, just as it has been doing with all Boeing 737 MAX aircraft since deliveries resumed following the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes.

Since then a backlog has built up of over 100 aircraft that have been constructed and are ready to be delivered to airline customers.

Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Credit Boeing
Photo: Boeing

In May 2022, Boeing suffered a further setback when the FAA found what it classed as omissions in the documentation provided by the manufacturer to outline its inspection process. However, Boeing stated earlier this month that it was confident it would still be able to restart deliveries this summer, as hoped.

Which airlines are waiting for 787s?

With its carbon composite frame that reduces fuel consumption, jetlag-busting cabin environment, and large windows, the Boeing 787 has proved popular with airlines and passengers alike since its launch in 2011.

Up to May 2021, Boeing had delivered 1,006 787s. This total figure is made up of 377 787-8s, 568 787-9s, and 61 787-10s. The largest carrier is currently Japan’s All Nippon Airways.

There are however over 400 outstanding orders for the Boeing 787. Among the airlines currently waiting for deliveries are Etihad Airways (32), Lufthansa (32), Emirates (30), and American Airlines (25).

Emirates 787
Emirates currently has an order for 30 Boeing 787s. Photo: Boeing

The delays have led to frustration for airline customers, some of which have had to rethink their post-pandemic growth plans as a result. And with the value of the undelivered aircraft estimated to be in the region of $25 billion, Boeing is undoubtedly just as keen as the airlines to resume deliveries.

What do you think of the news that Boeing may soon restart deliveries of its 787? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

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