After numerous delays Boeing has released its latest delivery schedule for the 787, and aims to deliver the first aircraft to launch customer All Nippon Airways in the third quarter.

The company states the new delivery date reflects the effects of an in-flight fire in November of 2010 that halted the test flight campaign. Boeing's revised schedule includes the time necessary to produce, install and test updated software and new electrical power distribution panels in the flight test and production aircraft.

"We've also restored some margin in the schedule to allow for any additional time that may be needed to complete certification activities," says 787 programme vice president Scott Fancher.

Boeing expects to release additional information about anticipated initial 787 deliveries in its earnings discussion scheduled for 26 January.

The original 787 delivery date was May 2008, and programme delays have subsequently pushed back first delivery by roughly three years.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news