Gadling

We all remember the much hyped — and recurring letdowns — that led up to the release of the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger jumbo jet now flying over the Southeast Asian skies. It was a roller coaster of a journey, with EADS’s stock wildly galloping across European stock exchanges, investors crying murder and numerous management changes within the embattled airline company.

We all hoped that this wouldn’t happen to Boeing, our domestic and local favorite airplane manufacturer. But as their 787 reaches the critical stage of release vs. delay, more attention has turned to the possibility of further delays and a repeat of the A380 runaround. Indeed as the Wall Street Journal reported earlier, Boeing is close to making another delay announcement, and their 787 may not fly until the middle of this year.

But Boeing has more at stake than EADS. With the fastest selling jet in commercial airline history, the Chicago based company has not only 817 airplanes to deliver but a reputation and integrity to maintain. Investors have faithfully banked on their success and if Boeing balks on their promises there are going to be serious financial ramifications.

Good luck, my friends.

Despite the recent setbacks and delays logged by Boeing on production of their new 787 Dreamliner, the fastest selling commercial airplane of all time, corporate sources are still holding to their (revised) Q4 ’08 delivery date. Production of the first three prototypes is well underway, the first (closest) for their “first flight” demonstration and the second two for static and fatigue testing.

You may recall the unveiling of the 787 earlier this year, which was a huge PR and photo event (get your CEO’s picture taken in front of the Dreamliner today!). Why can’t they fly that bird, you ask? Well, Boeing cut a few corners stitching that prototype together in time for the event. Now they’re going back, closing the gaps and getting the entire beast put together correctly for actual operation.

Their PR people tell me that the first flight is supposed to take place some time at the end of the first quarter next year. Hopefully the suppliers stay on schedule so that this actually happens.

Alas, the long awaited 787 Dreamliner has been delayed, citing “challenges” in assembling the first products. Earlier this year, Justin reported the rollout of the first complete prototype, but even that was rushed to look nice for the media. For example, small gaps remained in the fuselage that the company glossed over for the purpose of the initial media blitz.

For those of you unaware, Boeing’s 787 is slated as the next generation of aircraft: lighter, faster, eco-friendly and more efficient than its 20th century counterparts. To date, its been the fastest selling widebody ever before its entry into service and expectations are high.

As we’ve learned from the Airbus A380 and its repeated delays, however, numerous suppliers, production issues and bureaucratic tomfoolery come into play when producing a new airplane. EADS has already been through numerous management changes due to scheduling tiffs while shareholders are screaming bloody murder.

What we don’t want to happen here is for Boeing to repeat these mistakes. More missteps and carriers will start dropping orders, more delays could occur and Boeing would take a hit on sales. And as one of the primary exporters in this country, our economy and the American people are counting on the 787 and Boeing’s success. Cross your fingers.