FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- American Airlines said Tuesday that the first flight of its newest plane will be delayed seven weeks because of a production problem in the first-class cabin.
The Boeing 777-300ER is now expected to make its first flight Jan. 31 between Dallas and Sao Paulo. The plane had been scheduled to begin flying Dec. 13.
The airline said in a memo to managers that the delay was due to "production issues being encountered by our First Class suite supplier." The company did not immediately provide more details.
American, which is operating under bankruptcy protection, expects to take delivery of 14 of the planes, a longer-range version of the big 777 used on many international routes and part of American's plan to refresh the entire fleet.
Air France got the first 777-300ER in 2004. The plane holds 365 passengers, according to Boeing Co.
