Boeing completes first B787 test flight

Boeing announced the B787 Dreamliner completed its maiden test flight on 15-Dec-2009. The flight launched the flight test programme, to be conducted with six aircraft. The initial test flight was powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. Two test aircraft will be powered by General Electric GEnx engines. First delivery for the B787 is scheduled for 4Q2010 with All Nippon Airways. The B787 has 840 firm orders from 55 customers. [more - Boeing] [more- Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace]

Japan Airlines congratulated Boeing on the inaugural test flight, stating it is keenly awaiting the delivery of the aircraft, which it will use on new long-haul routes between Tokyo and America, Europe, as well as Southeast Asia, afforded by the expansion of Haneda airport in Oct-2010. JAL is scheduled to take delivery of its first of 35 B787s in early 2011. [more - Japan Airlines]