GUY NORRIS / LOS ANGELES
Boeing cuts number of aircraft in test programme but it also rolls out first 747-400ER
Boeing has revealed that first delivery of the long-range 777-300ER has been pushed back six months to March 2004. It is restructuring the test programme around the revised schedule with one fewer aircraft.
Meanwhile, Boeing rolled out the first 747-400ER on 17 June, and is expected to begin a four-month test programme in early July. The two-aircraft test effort is due to include 230 flight-test hours and 380 ground-test hours, and will culminate with certification and delivery in October 2003. First deliveries of both the passenger and freighter versions are scheduled for October to Qantas and International Lease Finance/Air France, respectively.
Source: Flight International
