On July 17th the Boeing Company announced that there is a serious overload problem with the Dreamliner 747 and that suppliers of hardware have delayed the delivery of goods.

However, the Boeing Company remains firm that that the plane's budget has not increased and that the planes will be delivered to buyers on time.

Alan Mulally, CEO of the Boeing Civil Airplane Group, refuses to disclose what part of the plane has been affected by the supply delay and figures for the 'overweight' plane.

He said that some of Boeing's partners will put off the delivery date of goods slightly, but Boeing has been working with them to resolve any difficulties.

Research and the production of the Dreamliner 787 will continue. The plane will make its maiden flight in mid-2007 and be put into commercial use in 2008.

Charlie Miller, spokesperson for the Boeing Company, said that, "At present, we actually don't need to increase the cost and the delivery date of the planes will also not be affected."

Confirmed orders of the Dreamliner 787 have surpassed 360 while its competition, the Airbus A350, continues comprehensive transformation following criticism from customers. Airbus has decided to increase expenditure on the modification, research and development of the Airbus 350 by US$10 billion.

Farnborough International Airshow 2006 will open on July 17th in Britain. Boeing and Airbus will no doubt take the main stage at the global aviation exhibition.

According to the predictions of a professional, Airbus will display its new and improved A350 while Boeing may show a version of the Dreamliner 787 with a greater carrying capacity.

By People's Daily Online