Boeing finishes powering up 787, marking milestone

Boeing finishes powering up 787, marking milestone

Technicians run tests in the cockpit of the first 787 Dreamliner. (Photo: Boeing Co.)

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Story Published: Jun 20, 2008 at 7:40 AM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 9:58 PM PDT

By Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) - The Boeing Co. says it's completed the process of powering up its 787 jetliner, marking a major milestone for the much-delayed program.

The "power on" announcement Friday keeps Chicago-based Boeing on track for a first flight later this year of the company's first newly designed commercial plane in more than a decade.

Power On is a complex series of tasks and tests that bring electrical power onto the airplane and begin to exercise the use of the electrical systems, the company said in a news release. The 787 is a more-electric airplane with the pneumatic, or bleed air, system being totally replaced by electronics.

"The team has made great progress in bringing the bold innovation of the 787 to reality," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "There is plenty of work to be done between now and first flight, but with every step forward we grow more and more confident."

The 787 program has been plagued by parts shortages and delays resulting from its unusually heavy reliance on suppliers. Flipping the power switches to "on" confirms the company has been able to work through those problems.

Shanahan says Boeing has now verified that the electrical power distribution system is installed as designed and that it functions as intended.

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