Boeing says 787s for United Airlines are delayed

(Reuters) – Boeing Co said delivery of at least two 787 jets for United Airlines was taking longer than expected, a surprise hitch in delivery to its first U.S. customer that is set to disappoint some customers wanting to ride the new fuel-efficient aircraft.

Boeing said it is working diligently to complete United Airlines’ next 787s for delivery but that the process is “taking a few days longer than anticipated.”

The delay, while short, is another missed date for the 787 program which was delayed for nearly 3-1/2 years to address quality problems with the jet that uses substantial amounts of lightweight composite materials to replace aluminium in the fuselage and wings.

United took delivery of its first 787 in September and is due to start carrying customers with it on November 4. The airline is scheduled to receive five of the jets this year.

United said on Tuesday that Boeing told it the second plane was not ready for delivery and the airline said it believes all of the four remaining jets could be delayed.

It has begun notifying customers who were scheduled to fly on the second 787 jet that they will travel on a different model of plane instead.

“We’re offering to refund or re-book customers who specifically intended to fly on one of the early Dreamliner flights,” said Christen David, director of corporate communications for United Continental Holdings Inc.

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Source REUTERS