Boeing 787 launch customer All Nippon Airways has begun training the flightcrew who will operate the aircraft.

Ten pilots from the Star Alliance carrier are taking part in the first training programme conducted by Boeing Training & Flight Services, which is scheduled to be completed on 17 May.

The airline aims to have about 80 pilots trained to operate the 787 this fiscal year, which ends on 31 March 2012.

Pilots will train using Boeing's simulators and flight training software, says ANA. "The high degree of commonality between the cockpits of the [787] and the Boeing 777, which is already in use in the ANA fleet, will assist in making the training programme more efficient," it adds.

ANA expects to receive its first 787 in the third quarter of this year, after several delays to first delivery. ANA has 55 787s on order.

Source: Flight International