Boeing this morning confirmed the worst-kept secret in aviation industry - its much-touted 787 Dreamliner will be delayed for another six months.

It’s taken the manufacturer some time to confirm the delays which were first touted a month ago.  The first test flight now won’t take place until after September - more than a year later than planned.

Boeing now says it expects to deliver 25 787s in 2009, down from the originally planned 112.  Qantas Airways CEO Geoff Dixon said although he was “very disappointed” about the delay, Qantas had anticipated the problems and had been working on contingencies for some time.

He said the carrier had already secured a leasing agreement for up to six additional A330 aircraft to be added to the Jetstar Airways international operations, which would provide “adequate growth for Jetstar until the arrival of the Dreamliner”

Dixon said Qantas was entitled to substantial liquidated damages from Boeing, which would be used to offset the cost of lease agreements.  “We are currently in discussions to lease further aircraft to ensure sufficient capacity for the needs of all our airlines in coming years,” he said.