Aircraft

FlightBlogger Exclusive: Boeing delays Dreamliner Four in Charleston after structural damage

By Jon Ostrower

FlightBlogger can exclusively reveal that delivery of the fourth 787 flight test aircraft has been delayed due to damage sustained to the center fuselage at the Global Aeronautica facility in Charleston, SC, Boeing has confirmed.

Sources in both Everett and Charleston tell FlightBlogger that the repair, which was completed this past weekend, centers around damage caused to section 44, a monolithic bonnet structure joined to the center wing box fabricated by Italy's Alenia Aeronautica.

"An Alenia Aeronautica employee had an issue not following proper procedures, we've had a production issue that has resulted," said Boeing. "The repair has been completed and the issue has been resolved."

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Boeing is currently assessing the schedule situation adding that, "we will know soon" when the center fuselage will be delivered.

For full details and analysis go to FlightBlogger …