Second 787-9 completes first test flight

Boeing stated (07-Nov-2013) the second 787-9 completed a successful four-hour 18-minute first service on 07-Nov-2013. The aircraft, known as ZB002, departed Paine Field in Everett at 08:06 and landed at 12:24 local time at Seattle's Boeing Field. As the only 787-9 test aircraft to be fitted with elements of the passenger interior, ZB002 will test systems such as the environmental control system in addition to avionics and other aspects of aircraft performance. Boeing has conducted a series of ground tests on the second 787-9 since its completion in late Sep-2013. With manufacturing of the 787-9 flight-test fleet complete, the first production 787-9 in final assembly and 137 flight-test hours to date, 787-9 development is on track. 787-10 development also is progressing as planned. First delivery of the 787-9 to launch customer Air New Zealand is set for mid-2014. 26 customers have ordered 396 787-9s, accounting for 40% of all 787 orders. [more - original PR]