Boeing finishes powering up 787

Milestone noted for much delayed commercial airliner

	A Boeing 787 static test airframe is moved from the final assembly facility to a structural test rig in Everett, Wash. earlier this year. The "power on" announcement Friday keeps Chicago-based Boeing on track for a first flight later this year of the company's newest commercial jet.
Gail Hanusa / AP

updated 11:12 a.m. ET June 20, 2008

CHICAGO - The Boeing Company says it's completed the process of powering up its 787 jetliner, marking a major milestone for the much-delayed program.

The "power on" announcement Friday keeps Chicago-based Boeing on track for a first flight later this year of the company's first newly designed commercial plane in more than a decade.

The 787 program has been plagued by parts shortages and delays resulting from its unusually heavy reliance on suppliers. Flipping the power switches to "on" confirms the company has been able to work through those problems.

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Program manager Pat Shanahan says Boeing has now verified that the electrical power distribution system is installed as designed and that it functions as intended.