Why the hurry? That is the most pertinent question as Boeing announces a six-month delay to certification of the 787, but no change in production plans. Airbus's rival A350 will not be ready until 2013, but the US giant is still intent on delivering the first 100 787s by the end of 2009 - even if it means completing a third of them before the aircraft is certificated.
After the success of the 777 programme, the 787's problems are an embarrassment for Boeing. But the biggest embarrassment has been company's refusal to accept the extent of its problems. Since the issues with the first aircraft became apparent after its roll-out in July, the world has listened with growing disbelief as Boeing has stuck to its May 2008 delivery date.
That has changed, and the certification plan once more looks achievable. But by holding to its production schedule, Boeing has shifted the risk to those 35-plus aircraft that will be completed before certification and could require modification. Why take that risk?
The only answer is that Boeing is trying to minimise the impact on its customers, and the financial penalties attached, while avoiding the potentially huge impact of idling a supply chain only just getting up to speed.
It is tempting to blame the 787's composite structure, and it is a factor in the delays, but the problem lies with the supply chain. And the culprit is Boeing's aggressive schedule for developing an all-new airliner and putting in place a new and different manufacturing system.
It is similarly easy to blame Airbus's problems with the A380 on its ambition to build the world's largest airliner, but the real problem was its failure to tackle the structural and cultural flaws within the company.
A bad workman blames his tools a bad integrator blames its suppliers. It was Boeing's responsibility to develop a robust plan, and to be aware of supplier issues. To hear Boeing was surprised by the amount of travelled work on the first 787 is shocking.
Seattle seems to have learned its lesson, and says it now knows the exact state of every 787 coming down the line. Airbus also appears to have learned, and to be taking a more measured approach with the A350.
But the question must be asked, has the duel between Airbus and Boeing led both to promise more than they can deliver? Is it the engineers who are over-confident in their digital-enabled technology, or the marketeers who are over-zealous in their dollar-driven commitments? The A380 and 787 are well-conceived and well-designed - it is from their botched execution that new lessons must be learned.
Source: Flight International
