EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- Boeing said Wednesday that it recently completed the flight tests required for type certification of its new 787-8 aircraft with Rolls Royce engines.
The final flight occurred Saturday onboard the ninth 787 to be built. The 14-person crew completed emergency simulations during a 90-minute flight between Billings, Mont., and Everett, Wash., the aerospace company said.
The first deliveries of the new aircraft are expected to take place in September. Flight testing continues for 787s with GE engines and for Boeing test points not related to certification, the company said.
Boeing has experienced numerous delays in getting the plane into test flights and production. It has orders for more than 800 of the aircraft from over 55 customers.
The 787-8 version of the aircraft will carry up to 250 passengers on routes of up to 8,200 nautical miles and could easily make a nonstop flight from New York to Tokyo.
In afternoon trading, Boeing shares fell 7 cents to $62.16.