FAA clears the way for first Boeing 787 flight

The Federal Aviation Administration has cleared the way for the new Boeing 787 to take its first commercial flight.

Both the FAA and European regulators certified the plane for flight Friday. Boeing Co. completed flight tests on the 787 this month.

Boeing plans to deliver the first 787 to Japan’s All Nippon Airways in September. The airline plans to fly it for the first time as a charter on Oct. 26 and begin regular service Nov. 1.

Because of various production problems, delivery is about three years late. The Chicago-based airline maker has orders from 55 customers for more than 800 of the planes. They will cost $185.2 million to $218.1 million apiece.

More than half of the Boeing 787 is made with composite materials. Boeing says the plane will be quieter and use 20% less fuel than aircraft of similar size. It will hold 200 to 330 passengers, depending on the layout.

Boeing made its initial application for the 787 in March 2003. The first model was rolled out in July 2007. The plane first flew in late 2009.

The planes will be built in Washington state and South Carolina.