Boeing Postpones First Flight of the 787 EVERETT, WA (KPLU) - Boeing has postponed the first flight of the long-awaited 787, which had been scheduled by the end of this month. The company says it needs to reinforce a body section of the aircraft, which is assembled at Everett. Boeing says it will be several weeks before a new schedule is set for first flight and first delivery. KPLU's Bellamy Pailthorp reports.

Additional Information:
Officials had thought about a temporary fix to allow the first flight within the next week, but decided on a permanent fix that will take more time.

Boeing initially had planned first flight for late 2007. Production problems and a labor strike have prompted several delays.

The fuel-efficient 787 is the first jetliner built with lightweight composite plastic. It's Boeing's first new aircraft since the 777.

Boeing says it will continue tests such as low-speed taxiing. Work continues on five other test planes and other 787s in the production system. © Copyright 2009, KPLU