The launch customer for The Boeing Co.’s troubled 787 Dreamliner, All Nippon Airways, has added five more of the revolutionary jetliners to its orders. That brings All Nippon’s total orders to 55 for the twin jet.

The Japanese airline’s new orders appeared as some other airlines backed away from their prior orders for the composite airliner.

Australia’s Qantas recently canceled orders for 15 of the planes. Other airlines have canceled orders for 57 of the planes this year as delays continue to mount for its delivery schedule.

The first test 787 was scheduled to fly by the end of last month after four delays, but a problem with the wing’s joint with the plane’s body delayed that first flight indefinitely while Boeing seeks a cure.

The 787, hit with production screw-ups, parts shortages, labor strikes and design issues, is now two years late in leaving the ground.

John Gillie, The News Tribune