Boeing says its 787 to be delayed from originally planned launch date

CHICAGO — The Boeing Co. has announced another delay involving its 787 jetliner, pushing back its expected debut in commercial service to the third quarter of 2009.

It’s the fourth time Boeing has had to revise the schedule for the top-selling plane, which has been plagued by supply-chain problems.

The latest setback had been expected by analysts as well as customers of the aircraft. It further undermines the company’s credibility after failing to deliver on its previous three scheduled plans for the 787.

Boeing says the plane’s first flight now won’t take place until the fourth quarter of this year. It says it is building extra time into the testing schedule to reduce the risk of further delays.

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