Dreamliner delay frustrates Qantas

The new schedule will affect about 50 Dreamliners ordered by Qantas. 

"We have been advised by Boeing of this latest development, which is frustrating but not unexpected," Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said.

On Thursday, Boeing said it expected the 250-seat aircraft to make its first flight by the end of 2009.

The US aircraft manufacturer said the new timetable was needed to allow an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft to be reinforced.

The company had previously said that labour disputes also had an impact on the production schedule.

"This new schedule provides us the time needed to complete the remaining work necessary to put the 787's game-changing capability in the hands of our customers," Boeing chairman Jim McNerney said.

"The design details and implementation plan are almost complete and the team is preparing planes for modification and testing."

Mr Joyce said Qantas should know within the next few months what the new Boeing schedule would mean for its B787-9 deliveries. 

"We still believe the aircraft is right for us in terms of supporting Jetstar's international growth and for the replacement of the Qantas B767 fleet," Mr Joyce said.

The delay has prompted Qantas to lease several of its A330-200 aircrafts to its low-cost carrier, Jetstar. 

In June, Boeing said the delivery of its first Dreamliner to Japan's All Nippon Airways would begin in the first quarter of 2010.