Boeing set to launch Dreamliner after many delays

After fits and starts, it appears Boeing Co.'s (BA) much vaunted 787 Dreamliner aircraft will finally make its maiden voyage later this year and be ready for commercial delivery at the end of next year.

Boeing said Thursday it will book a $2.5 billion pre-tax charge, equivalent to $2.21 a share, related to the 787 program. The Chicago-based company said last month, when it reported second-quarter earnings, that it was still assessing the financial impact of the fifth and latest delay in the aircraft's development.