A key supplier for Boeing’s new 787 is shifting workers to other planes, in another sign that delays to the 787 are likely. Spirit AeroSystems says some of its workers in Wichita, Kan., will now work on Boeing’s 737. Some will keep working on the 787, but at a slower rate.
Spirit spokeswoman Debbie Gann declined to say whether the move is because of new instructions from Boeing, or how many workers are involved. Spirit has 7,000 manufacturing workers in Wichita.
Flight tests on the 787 stopped after an electrical fire last month. Boeing Co. has said it is re-examining its delivery schedule. Its most recent plans call for delivery early next year. Some analysts have suggested delivery could even be pushed into 2012.
