The maiden flight of the much delayed Boeing 787 Dreamliner is due before the end of the year.

Manufacturer Boeing said the first delivery is then expected in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Development delays mean that production of the new generation aircraft is almost two years behind schedule.

The company now expects to achieve a production rate of 10 aircraft a month in late 2013.

The new schedule reflects the previously announced need to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft, along with the addition of several weeks of schedule margin to reduce flight test and certification risk, Boeing said.

“This new schedule provides us the time needed to complete the remaining work necessary to put the 787’s game-changing capability in the hands of our customers,” said Boeing chairman, president and CEO Jim McNerney.

“The design details and implementation plan are nearly complete, and the team is preparing airplanes for modification and testing.”