FAA clears 787-10 for commercial service

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The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has cleared the S.C.-built 787-10 Dreamliner for commercial service.

The newest Dreamliner jet received the federal agency’s amended type certificate to round out a nearly yearlong flight test program, which launched in March. Since then, three flight test airplanes clocked 900 test hours. 

Boeing’s flight test program performed “a series of tests to confirm the airplane’s handling, systems and overall performance met internal requirements and certification standards to ensure safety of flight.”

Brad Zaback, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, said in a news release, “After years of design and testing, our team has proven the quality, safety and reliability of the newest member of the Dreamliner family and we look forward to seeing the airplane in service later this year.”

The jet needs other aviation regulatory agencies to sign off on it before it can enter service. Boeing said it expects 787-10 deliveries to begin in the first half of this year, starting with Singapore Airlines.