Boeing's chief executive officer said that outsourcing production of parts for the 787 jetliner to manufacturers worldwide remains a good plan, despite four production delays and costly penalties.

Boeing has delayed deliveries of the 787 Dreamliner jet by six months, the US aerospace company has announced.

The curtain has been raised on the first fully assembled Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet to an audience of thousands in the company’s plant in the US.

Bill Ford, who struggled for five years to steer Ford Motor Company towards financial stability, is stepping down as chief executive and is being replaced by Alan Mulally, a top executive from aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

US stocks fell moderately today as investors found little reason to extend a year-end buying spree.