The first production model of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane is unveiled to an audience of several thousand employees, airline executives, and dignitaries during a ceremony in this July 8, 2007 file photo, at Boeing's assembly plant in Everett, Wash. The Boeing Co. delayed its 787 jetliner programme again Tuesday, April 9, 2008, pushing back its expected debut in commercial service to the third quarter of 2009 as it continues to grapple with problems involving its supply chain and the need to redo work done by contractors. - file

CHICAGO (AP):

The Boeing Co has announced a new delay with its 787 jetliner that is expected to push back the first flight until late this year and the first deliveries until the third quarter of 2009.

Boeing had said its goal was to send the 787 on its first flight by the end of June, and deliver the first plane to All Nippon Airways in early 2009.

However, after announcing a third major delay in the 787 programme in January, Chicago-based Boeing said it would review the schedule once again.

No comment

Lori Gunter, a spokeswoman for the 787 programme, said she could not comment before a previously scheduled conference call later Wednesday.

Delays for Chicago-based Boeing could come close to those experienced by European rival Airbus, which saw delays of 18 months for its A380.

Analysts, as well as major buyers of the aircraft, have said in recent weeks that they expect delays of six to nine months.

Boeing said in October that the aircraft would be delayed six months, then in January, announced another three-month delay.

The aircraft initially was expected to fly around September 2007.

More durable

The 787 will be the first large commercial airplane made mostly of carbon-fiber composites, which are lighter and more durable than the metals used in most planes today. Boeing has said it will save fuel and be cheaper to maintain than comparable planes flying today.