The Australian has reported that the Dreamliner may come to Australia as part of it’s flight testing program. Alice Springs has been mooted as a possible destination, although some PR flights throughout the Eastern states are likely. Boeing VP Dennis O’Donoghue stated that decisions regarding locations for flight testing are often made very late in the planning cycle (Ed: Or at least, publicized very late …)
Currently there are three test aircraft flying with a fourth soon to join the program. Orders for the next generation aircraft approach a record 900 airframes, including almost 200 of the longer -9 version, although orders have stagnated since the GFC of 2008. ILFC has the largest order book, with All Nippon and Qantas close behind.
Standing by for a first view of this awesome machine!
Ken
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Boeing VP Dennis O’Donoghue stated that decisions regarding locations for flight testing are often made very late in the planning cycle.
I thought this might be one of the first issues that would be pinpointed before anything else…..
Saw this plane at the Boeing factory in Everitt in 2007 shortly after launch. Awesome does not begin to describe it.
I was talking to a Boeing guy a couple of days ago that suggested Alice Springs as an ideal test location.
I think they both (a) keep an amount of flexibility in planning to allow for last minute changes; and (b) plan well ahead but maintain a level of both secrecy and public confusion over the plan …