Boeing, the aircraft maker, has trimmed 2008 forecasts for the second time since last October after announcing large delays to both the test flights and the delivery of its new 787 Dreamliner.

The company said today, while announcing fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2007, that it expected group revenues for 2008 to reach between $67 billion and $68 billion (£33.7 billion and £34.2 billion).

The figures are down from previously revised forecasts, given in October when Boeing announced the six-month delay to Dreamliner deliveries. Expectations were reduced from between $71 billion to $72 billion to $67.5 billion and $68.5 billion.

Sales from its commercial aircraft division will now reach between $34.5 billion and $35.5 from October’s revised figures of $35 billion to $36 billion.

Despite an expected fall in 2008 revenues, Boeing predicts higher profits for the year ahead as “productivity gains are being realised ahead of earlier plans”.

The company also said that 2009 earnings would be “strong” but did not give guidance on next year’s sales.

Boeing's commercial aircraft division will now deliver between 475 and 480 craft this year, compared with earlier predictions of 480 to 490.

The company added that it had a $255 billion of orders for its aircraft, with 1,423 contracts placed with the group during the year, including 520 in the final quarter.

Sales in the fourth quarter were flat at $17.4 billion but profits rose slightly, up 4 per cent to $1 billion.

During the full year, revenue rose by 8 per cent and profits rose 84 per cent to $4 billion.

Boeing is blaming the Dreamliner delay on problems with manufacturers who have been shipping faulty aircraft parts to the company.

The group has secured 841 Dreamliner orders worth $144 billion, with the first delivery scheduled to go to All Nippon Airways.

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