Boeing delays delivery of 747-8 airplanes

EVERETT, Wash. -- Boeing Co. says it is delaying the production and delivery of 747-8 freighter and intercontinental airplanes.

The first freighter deliveries will be completed in the third quarter of 2010 instead of late 2009 as previously forecast. The first intercontinental passenger deliveries will be completed in the second quarter of 2011 instead of late 2010.

The postponement was caused by supply chain delays because of design changes, limited availability of engineering resources at Boeing and a recent machinists strike.

Boeing consulted with suppliers in revising the production and delivery schedule.

Shares of the company fell $1.65, or 3.8 percent, to $41.51 in premarket activity.