Fresh delay for Boeing Dreamliner

Boeing has announced that it will delay the maiden flight of its new Dreamliner 787 aircraft, the latest postponement to befall the project.

The flight had been due to take place on 30 June, but the US company said it had now been delayed due to a need to reinforce a side section of the plane.
Only last week, Boeing told the BBC that the Dreamliner would have its first flight "in a couple of weeks".

Boeing said in April it would have to postpone its first deliveries.

Boeing is due to give more details about the latest postponement at a news conference later.

Before the latest announcement, the long-range, medium-sized Dreamliner was already 15 months behind schedule.

Best seller

Boeing had received 802 orders for the Dreamliner by the start of 2008, which made it the plane-maker's fastest selling model.

The company's first completely new aircraft since 1995, the Dreamliner takes advantage of new technology that allows much of it to be made of lighter, plastic composites instead of aluminium.

Boeing claims that as a result, it will consume 20% less fuel than other, similar-sized planes.

It also has a greater range than similar-sized planes, which Boeing hopes will mean it can open up new, direct long-haul routes.