Boeing reaffirmed that a September delivery of its new 787 Dreamliner to Japanese airline ANA is on track, as testing of the new jet approaches the final stage.
The 787 Dreamliner completed all flight tests required for certification of the plane using Rolls-Royce engines last weekend, Boeing said Wednesday.
The Chicago-based aerospace giant said flight testing is continuing for 787s with General Electric engines and "for Boeing test points not related to certification."
"We are close to starting the final phases of flight tests," Boeing spokeswoman Lori Gunter told AFP.
Asked if Boeing is on schedule for the first 787 delivery to All Nippon Airways in September, she said: "We are. Absolutely."
In late July, Boeing Chairman and CEO Jim McNerney said certification of the 787 by the Federal Aviation Administration was expected before the end of August.
The 787, which the company says will deliver 20% fuel savings, is three years behind the initial schedule due to snags in the production line.
On Tuesday, ANA, which has 55 Dreamliners on order, launched a Facebook photo contest, dubbed "I (heart) 787."
Participants are asked to submit a picture "showcasing your smile" and the number 787, the airline said on its website.
The winner will win two tickets for a Tokyo "sightseeing flight" on the 787 in October.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2011
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