Boeing is poised to provide an update on its 787 Dreamliner programme.

Citing a source close to the matter, Seattle Post Intelligencer says the company is likely to announce a delay of at least six months, which will push the programme back some 14 months from its initial schedule. That would mean that launch customer All Nippon Airways will not take delivery of its first aircraft until autumn 2009. The US newspaper notes that Boeing is now getting close to the same kinds of delays experienced by Airbus with its A380 superjumbo. The 787 delays are mostly due to production issues, but there are also design issues. Boeing admitted last month that it would have to strengthen the central wing box. Bloomberg focuses on investors’ reactions if Boeing announces a third delay to the programme. The plane maker has already lost 26 % of its market value since the first delay was announced in October. Bloomberg (08/04), Suddeutsche Zeitung, Seattle Post Intelligencer (08/04), Seattle Times (08/04)