Another day, another Boeing
Seems the company needs to redesign a wobbly "inboard aileron actuator" on the new 747-8, realign the plane's main wheel well, and make literally "dozens" more minor fixes to the plane. Boeing's also testing software to help fix a vibration problem encountered in some early test flights. Together, the fixes and upgrades will postpone delivery on the plane by six months, pushing the monster plane well past the two-years-overdue mark and keeping customers grounded well into mid-2011.
Sitting alongside 'em on the tarmac will be key 747-8 parts suppliers General Electric
Better luck next time
Well, at least it's not the 787 this time. That one's already more than two years overdue. But while we're thanking heaven for small blessings, let's not let Boeing off the hook for announcing yet another delay to a program only slightly lower-profile than its flagship Nightmare-liner.
I mean, I know that building planes is no easy task. Archrival Airbus has certainly had its share of difficulties getting both the A380 airliner and A400M military transport off the ground. Embraer
What I cannot for the life of me fathom, is why Boeing continues to persist in promising to deliver these planes on dates certain, and dates certainly overoptimistic -- disappointing its shareholders at every turn.
Remember, Boeing: The idea is to under-promise and over-deliver. Not the other way around.