Boeing 747-8KZF/SCD (36137/1422) N50217 departs Boeing Field (BFI/KBFI) on test flight. (Photo by Joe G. Walker)Boeing removed VP and GM-747 Program Mo Yahyavi from his post as speculation mounted that the 747-8 freighter's first delivery will be delayed again.
VP and GM-Airplane Programs Pat Shanahan told employees in an internal communication cited by the Seattle Times that he will take over direct supervision of shepherding the 747-8F and 747-8 Intercontinental to EIS while Yahyavi takes on "a special assignment." The first 747-8F is destined for launch customer Cargolux, with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter.
Boeing has already twice delayed the program owing largely to overtaxed engineering; the first freighter was originally supposed to be delivered during the 2009 fourth quarter. The 747-8F achieved first flight in February. Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh has hinted that delivery of the 747-8F may slip into next year owing to a series of nagging problems affecting the flight test program. Yahyavi took charge of the program in February.
Boeing additionally appointed Elizabeth Lund to the role of deputy program manager for the 747-8. She will report directly to Shanahan. The manufacturer last week confirmed that first delivery of the 787 won't occur until the 2011 first quarter.
(ATWOnline-News)
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