The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has completed initial airworthiness testing that will enable more aircraft to join the flight test programme.

The 787 is a new large airliner programme that will carry up to 330 passengers a distance of up to 8,200nm.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787 programme vice-president and general manager Scott Fancher said the aircraft has been performing as they expected.

Since its first flight in December 2009, the jetliner has performed 15 flights, and reached an altitude of 30,000ft and a speed of Mach 0.65.

The aircraft has also undergone initial stall tests, other dynamic manoeuvres and an extensive systems check.

Boeing will continue to expand the flight envelope at which the 787 will operate to reach an altitude of more than 40,000ft and a speed of Mach 0.85 in the near future.

Further testing will subject the airplane to operational conditions beyond the normal expected level.