No Dreamliner in China yet, more delays

The good news for Chinese travelers is, the Boeing 787 hasn't entered the Chinese market yet. The first Dreamliner jet was supposed to be delivered to China Southern Airlines in December 2012. But it was delayed, and the company needs to re-prepare documents to get the certificate of airworthiness.

To enter the Chinese market, the Dreamliner needs to obtain a certificate of airworthiness from regulators in Europe and the US, in addition to one from the Chinese authorities as well. Chinese airlines have ordered 41 Boeing 787 planes, worth more than $8 billion. So far, none of these airlines have commented on the latest safety crisis.

Usually, it takes about 10 years from the research and development stage to bring a new aircraft to the testing stage. But the Dreamliner was accelerated - it took less than six years. Analysts say, the fast-tracking was thanks to pressure and fierce competition from Airbus, with its A380.