Boeing (NYSE:BA) has delayed the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner until third quarter 2011. The previous delivery date was set for February 2011.

The 787 Dreamliner is no stranger to delays.

Originally, Boeing said the first flight would be in late August or September 2007. Then, delivery would follow shortly after May 2008.

However, due to various issues with suppliers, subcontractors, and management (Mike Bair, 787's program director since 2004, was replaced in late 2007), its maiden flight finally took place in December 2009.

The delivery date, which has been pushed back several times, has yet to happen.

The latest reason for delay was an electrical fire during a test flight that caused an emergency landing in November 2010.

Boeing said this delay should not have any material impact on the 2010 financial results.

We have faced a number of challenges but that does not take away from the fact that the 787 is a great airplane, said a Boeing spokesperson.

The Dreamliner is a long range, mid-sized jet airliner that uses less fuel per passenger and is less noisy for the passengers compared to similar planes.

Nyse Boeing 787 Management