Boeing has completed reinforcements within the side-of-body section on the first 787 Dreamliner.

The Dreamliner, a new aircraft series, is being built to fly up to 250 passengers through a distance of up to 8,200nm at M0.85.

The 787 programme so far has witnessed five delays to its launch, including the latest for side-of-body reinforcements.

The modification comprises installation of new fittings at 34 stringer locations within the joint where the wing is attached to the fuselage.

Boeing 787 programme vice-president and general manager Scott Fancher said that the firm remains confident that the first flight of the 787 Dreamliner will occur before the end of 2009.

“We will test the modification on the full-scale static test airframe later this month,” Fancher said.

The static test airframe will be refitted with strain gauges and instrumentation required for testing after the modification is complete.

Boeing is restoring access doors, systems, seals and fasteners removed from the airplane for the process and installing fittings on the fatigue test airframe and the remaining flight test airplanes.

The 787 will see its first delivery in the fourth quarter of 2010, according to a new schedule drawn up by Boeing.