Boeing Dreamliner Almost Not Ready For Takeoff

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jun 23, 2009 7:40PM

Photo from Boeing website.

Just three weeks ago Boeing said that its 787 Dreamliner might finally make its first flight this month after two years of delays. Now Boeing says that the plans have been grounded again because a section of the aircraft's structure required extra reinforcement.

The plans for the Dreamliner--a carbon composite aircraft that is lighter and more fuel-efficient--were first announced in 2005 and slated for takeoff in 2007. Boeing says the new type of construction could make the airline industry less vulnerable to the volatility of ever-fluctuating gas prices. That is, if plans ever get off the ground.