Aerospace giant Boeing announced Monday that it plans to undertake a test flight Monday afternoon in its latest step in returning to service the 787 fleet, grounded by two battery incidents. The two-hour flight is expected leave at approximately 1800 GMT from Paine Field in Everett, Washington. Boeing described Monday's flight as a "functional check flight" designed to to "validate that all systems function as designed." After completing the first flight and analyzing the results, Boeing plans a "certification demonstration flight".

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Boeing Co <BA.N> said on Friday it would lay off about 800 machinists this year as it reduces its workforce on its 747 and 787 airplane programs. The reductions are part of a long-term plan and do not necessarily signal any shifts in production rates for either airplane, the company said. All 800 people being laid off are represented by the International Association of Machinists.

US aerospace giant Boeing said Friday it would cut between 2,000 to 2,300 jobs by the end of the year as it winds down development of its 787 and 747 aircraft. About 800 workers will be laid off, with the rest of the cutbacks coming through attrition, redeployment and leaving vacant positions unfilled, the company said in an email to AFP. "With 787 and 747 development efforts completing and disruption substantially decreasing, we require fewer resources," the company said.

SEATTLE/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Boeing Co plans to conduct two flight tests of its revamped 787 battery system, possibly as soon as the end of the week, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The 787 flights, the first since February, would mark another step toward Boeing's recently announced goal of returning the grounded jet to service in a matter of weeks, not months.