Back in May, Continental announced plans to begin non-stop service between Houston and Auckland in November 2011 on one their newly-delivered 787-8 aircraft.
But if you’ve been reading the news lately, you know that Boeing has, well, run into a few (more) problems with their 787 program. While a 777 or 747 can handle the IAH-AKL route, the bean counters have determined that those aircraft are a bit too large to be profitable so UA is scrapping the route until "sometime in 2012."
United was scheduled to take delivery of eight 787s between August and September next year, but with the problems Boeing continues to experience with the new aircraft, I doubt UA is going to take delivery of their new planes before the Mayan calendar ends.
United’s new Houston to Lagos, Nigeria route was also scheduled to feature the 787 but that route will get the 777 for now.
You’re three years late, Boeing. This is really getting old..
This is new technology. Outsourcing will save Boing money but as they have discovered things don’t get changed as quickly when modifications are needed. Note that the A350 is already said to be slipping off schedule and it hasn’t even gone to production.
Note also that the first dozen or so 787s are going to be a little heavier and less fuel efficient than advertised. These planes may not have the +7400 mi range needed for such a flight. Several customers at the head of the line are canceling to reorder later or asking for the later more fuel efficient planes. Boing is said to be offering a discount on the early planes and suggesting that they be used for shorter hauls (or land in the ocean?? 🙂 .