Boeing aims to deliver the first 787 Dreamliner to All Nippon Airways (ANA) in August or September, following a test aircraft's maiden flight in Japan in July as part of a simulation of revenue operations.
The airframer will work with ANA to deploy the second flight test aircraft, ZA002, on flights within Japan during the week of 4 July to "simulate in-service operations across several airports in Japan in a service ready operational validation", said Boeing.
The flights are expected to be operated between Tokyo Haneda airport and airports in Osaka (both Itami and Kansai airports), Okayama and Hiroshima. Boeing said the flights will show the aircraft's "readiness to enter service on a commercial basis".
"We've put the airplane through its paces in a rigorous flight test program," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 programme. "Now, as we get closer to first delivery, we'll prove out its capabilities and reliability in a revenue-like environment."
The airframer, which had said it was targeting first delivery in the third quarter following several delays to the 787 programme, said it plans to deliver the first aircraft to ANA in the "August to September timeframe".
ANA's president and CEO Shinichiro Ito said the carrier is "eager" to introduce the 787 to Japan. "Giving our employees the opportunity to gain experience with the airplane will help ensure a smoother entry into service later this year."
During the July validation, ANA's maintenance crews will also practise maintenance and servicing of the 787. "This will include typical ground servicing activities, fit checks of airplane jacks and maintenance hangar stands, towing and refueling the airplane, and other routine maintenance operations," said Boeing.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
