Nippon Cargo Airlines has had to defer the introduction of Boeing’s next generation jumbo jet until summer 2010 due to delays at the aircraft manufacturer. The carrier has 14 747-8 Freighters on order with the first two originally slated for delivery in October 2009, but Boeing has told Nippon Cargo Airlines that development plans have been thrown off schedule due to a strike by the company’s labour union.
The aircraft manufacturer is giving priority to its 787 Dreamliner passenger jet, which has also suffered developmental delays, the effects of which are spilling over to the 747-8.
Because Nippon Cargo Airlines will have to purchase substitute aircraft and will not see the reduced fuel consumption provided by the new jet, it plans to seek compensation from Boeing for the cost incurred by the delay.