Boeing’s second 787-9 development aircraft, ZB002, has made its first flight, departing Paine Field, Everett at 8.06am local time on Thursday and landing at 12:24pm at Boeing Field, Seattle.
“As the only 787-9 test airplane to be fitted with elements of the passenger interior, ZB002 will test systems such as the environmental control system in addition to avionics and other aspects of airplane performance,” Boeing said in a statement.
“With manufacturing of the 787-9 flight-test fleet complete, the first production 787-9 in final assembly and 137 flight-test hours to date, 787-9 development is on track. 787-10 development also is progressing as planned.”
First delivery for the 787-9 is set for mid-2014. On Thursday launch customer Air New Zealand announced that Auckland-Perth would be the world’s first 787-9 route. Boeing says 26 customers have ordered 396 787-9s to date.
