Boeing Delays 787 Take Off

The maiden flight of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner could be delayed by several weeks, although its launch is still planned for mid 2008, the head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said Sunday.

"The first flight is targeted for end-August but it will happen when the plane is ready. Frankly my guess is, it is going to happen mid-September," said Scott Carson on the eve of the Paris Air Show.

"In two weeks, we'll be revealing the 787 to the world," he said, referring to the first factory roll-out on July 8, adding: "We believe we are on track to deliver the first plane in May 08."

Questioned about reports of problems regarding the aircraft's weight and sub-contracting, Carson said that "rumors of how difficult and serious challenges are exaggerated."

The 787 is being billed as the US aerospace giant's biggest commercial success, with 584 orders confirmed since its launch in 2004, compared to just 13 for rival model the Airbus 250. The success of the new plane has allowed Boeing to overtake Airbus as the world's biggest aircraft maker, based on last year's orders.