The largest variant of Boeing’s 787 program has been certified, clearing one of the final major hurdles for delivery to launch customer Singapore Airlines (SIA).
The 787-10 has been granted an amended type certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing said on Monday (US time).
The amended type certificate followed the flight test program with three aircraft that began in March 2017 and accumulated 900 test hours.
“We are pleased to have met the rigorous standards set forth by the FAA and are eager to bring the airplane to market for our valued customers,” Boeing vice president and general manager of the 787 program Brad Zaback said in a statement.
“After years of design and testing, our team has proven the quality, safety and reliability of the newest member of the Dreamliner family and we look forward to seeing the airplane in service later this year.”
The 787-10 is the longest variant of the 787 family and is capable of flying 6,430nm when configured with 330 passengers in a two-class layout, according to Boeing figures.
At 68.2m, the 787-10 is a 5.5m stretch on the 787-9 that began flying in August 2014. The first 787 variant, the -8, made its commercial debut in October 2011 with launch customer All Nippon Airways.
First delivery to launch customer SIA was expected to occur in the first half of calendar 2018. The Virgin Australia shareholder and alliance partner has 30 787-10s on firm order, as well as a letter of intent for a further 19 of the type. The airline has chosen Rolls-Royce engines for its 787-10s. Its final cabin configuration has not been released.
Airlines that fly to Australia and have ordered the 787-10 included ANA, SIA, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, United and British Airways.
The Boeing website lists 171 orders for the 787-10 as of December 2017.
Boeing 787-10 receives amended type certificate
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