Aircraft

Boeing today announced that a two-month strike by machinists will delay the 777 Freighter's first delivery to Air France by at least one to three months.

Two 777Fs are expected to complete flight tests on time in December, a Boeing spokeswoman says.

But launch customer Air France will not receive a third 777F currently in final assembly until some time in the first quarter, she adds.

The announcement came on the same day that Boeing delayed the 747-8F by six to nine months and the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger version by four to six months.

However, Boeing emphasizes that the 777F schedule was impacted solely by recently completed, two-month strike by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

By contrast, Boeing also blamed the 747 programme delays on design and supply chain problems, including a "dramatic" enhancement of the 747-8's new wing.