Reports of Production Slowdown for Dreamliner

Reports based on information from airlines in Australia and New Zealand point to a slowdown in the planned production ramp-up of the 787 Dreamliner and a potential delay in the delivery of the 787-9, the larger version of the Dreamliner that will follow the initial 787-8 model.

A report Monday in the West Australian newspaper said the 787-9 will not be delivered until mid-2014 instead of late 2013. The report cited the impact on Australian carrier Qantas.

And last week, Flight International magazine quoted Air New Zealand Chief Financial Officer Rob McDonald expressing displeasure that the 787-9 had been pushed out later than planned. Air New Zealand is the launch customer for the 787-9 and will take the first delivery.

"It would be an understatement to say we are frustrated and disappointed," McDonald told Flight.

In response to these reports, Boeing spokesman Marc Birtel reaffirmed that the schedule for first delivery of the 787-9 remains "late 2013."

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