Boeing struggling to sell early 787 Dreamliners: sources

[CHICAGO] Boeing Co is struggling to find buyers for 11 of its earliest 787 Dreamliners valued at US$1.1 billion after two airlines dropped orders for the holdover models from the jet's troubled birth, people briefed on the plans said.

The partially completed planes, which are heavier than new 787s and can't fly as far, have been parked for about four years near a Seattle-area plant. Black plastic shrouds the windows, and 7,700kg counterweights dangle from wings in place of engines to keep the jets balanced.

Boeing began building Dreamliners before getting US certification in 2011, amassing a record inventory that included dozens of older versions requiring extensive repairs to meet federal standards. Chicago-based Boeing is starting upgrades on the early 787s, the last ones to be fixed, as it steps up sales efforts, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private.