Chinese doctor Liu Zhongjun poses for pictures with a spine model implanted with a 3D-printed artificial axis, at Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, August 14, 2014. Liu has successfully implanted an artificial axis produced by a 3D printer into the spine of a bone cancer patient. This was the first time that an axis produced by 3D printing had been implanted into a patient, according to Liu. Normally, a diseased axis would be replaced by a standardised, hollow titanium tube, said Liu. Picture taken August 14, 2014. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH) 

A spine model implanted with a 3D-printed artificial axis is displayed at Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, August 14, 2014. Chinese doctor Liu Zhongjun has successfully implanted an artificial axis produced by a 3D printer into the spine of a bone cancer patient. This was the first time that an axis produced by 3D printing had been implanted into a patient, according to Liu. Normally, a diseased axis would be replaced by a standardised, hollow titanium tube, said Liu. Picture taken August 14, 2014. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH) 

An employee works walks past machinery at the VSMPO-Avisma factory in Verkhnyaya-Salda, some 1,800 km (1,100 miles) east of Moscow, November 7, 2013. Russia's VSMPO-Avisma, the world's biggest producer of titanium, expects profits to rise 25 percent to some $250 million this year due to robust demand from the aerospace industry, the firm's key customer. Picture taken November 7, 2013. REUTERS/Svetlana Burmistrova (RUSSIA - Tags: BUSINESS) 

Visitors walk near the information centre at a the site of a proposed "titanium valley" business park in Verkhnyaya-Salda, some 1,800 km (1,100 miles) east of Moscow, November 7, 2013. Russia's VSMPO-Avisma, the world's biggest producer of titanium, expects profits to rise 25 percent to some $250 million this year due to robust demand from the aerospace industry, the firm's key customer. Picture taken November 7, 2013. REUTERS/Svetlana Burmistrova (RUSSIA - Tags: BUSINESS) 

An employee works with a titanium ingot at the VSMPO-Avisma factory in Verkhnyaya-Salda, some 1,800 km (1,100 miles) east of Moscow, November 7, 2013. Russia's VSMPO-Avisma, the world's biggest producer of titanium, expects profits to rise 25 percent to some $250 million this year due to robust demand from the aerospace industry, the firm's key customer. Picture taken November 7, 2013. REUTERS/Svetlana Burmistrova (RUSSIA - Tags: BUSINESS) 

An employee manoeuvres a titanium ingot for pressing at the VSMPO-Avisma factory in Verkhnyaya-Salda, some 1,800 km (1,100 miles) east of Moscow, November 7, 2013. Russia's VSMPO-Avisma, the world's biggest producer of titanium, expects profits to rise 25 percent to some $250 million this year due to robust demand from the aerospace industry, the firm's key customer. Picture taken November 7, 2013. REUTERS/Svetlana Burmistrova (RUSSIA - Tags: BUSINESS) 

Bipedal humanoid robot "Atlas", primarily developed by the American robotics company Boston Dynamics, is presented to the media during a news conference at the University of Hong Kong October 17, 2013. The 6-foot (1.83 m) tall, 330-pound (149.7 kg) robot is made of graded aluminium and titanium and costs HK$ 15 million ($1.93 million). It is capable of a variety of natural movements, including dynamic walking, calisthenics and user programmed behaviours, according to the University of Hong Kong's press release. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) 

Bipedal humanoid robot "Atlas", primarily developed by the American robotics company Boston Dynamics, is presented to the media during a news conference at the University of Hong Kong October 17, 2013. The 6-foot (1.83 m) tall, 330-pound (149.7 kg) robot is made of graded aluminium and titanium and costs HK$ 15 million ($1.93 million). It is capable of a variety of natural movements, including dynamic walking, calisthenics and user programmed behaviours, according to the University of Hong Kong's press release. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) 

Bipedal humanoid robot "Atlas", primarily developed by the American robotics company Boston Dynamics, practises tai chi during a news conference at the University of Hong Kong October 17, 2013. The 6-foot (1.83 m) tall, 330-pound (149.7 kg) robot is made of graded aluminium and titanium and costs HK$ 15 million ($1.93 million). It is capable of a variety of natural movements, including dynamic walking, calisthenics and user programmed behaviours, according to the University of Hong Kong's press release. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) 

Bipedal humanoid robot "Atlas", primarily developed by the American robotics company Boston Dynamics, practises tai chi during a news conference at the University of Hong Kong October 17, 2013. The 6-foot (1.83 m) tall, 330-pound (149.7 kg) robot is made of graded aluminium and titanium and costs HK$ 15 million ($1.93 million). It is capable of a variety of natural movements, including dynamic walking, calisthenics and user programmed behaviours, according to the University of Hong Kong's press release. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) 

Bipedal humanoid robot "Atlas", primarily developed by the American robotics company Boston Dynamics, raises its hands during a news conference at the University of Hong Kong October 17, 2013. The 6-foot (1.83 m) tall, 330-pound (149.7 kg) robot is made of graded aluminium and titanium and costs HK$ 15 million ($1.93 million). It is capable of a variety of natural movements, including dynamic walking, calisthenics and user programmed behaviours, according to the University of Hong Kong's press release. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) 

Riva Lemanski 6, and her brother Elia 4, turn a Stage 1 Rolls Royce RB Titanium Turbine Fan from 1970 at Christie's in London August 5, 2013. The Turbine fan is expected to sell for £60,000-80,000 (US $92,000-133,000) when it is auctioned at the Christie's Out of the Ordinary sale on September 5, 2013. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett (BRITAIN - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT TRANSPORT) 

A worker controls a robotic machine as it colour-codes titanium dental implants at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013. Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/
REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH BUSINESS) 

A worker controls a robotic machine as it colour-codes titanium dental implants at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013. Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/
REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH BUSINESS) 

A worker inspects titanium dental implants being colour coded at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013. Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/
REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH BUSINESS) 

A worker inspects titanium dental implants being colour coded at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013.
Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/ REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH) 

Titanium dental implants after spark anodization called "TiUnite" are seen at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013. Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/
REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH BUSINESS) 

The manufacture of titanium dental implants is seen at the Nobel Biocare facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013.
Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/ REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH BUSINESS) 

A sign showing titanium on the periodic table of elements is seen at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013.
Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/ REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH BUSINESS) 

A worker controls a robotic machine as it colour-codes titanium dental implants at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013. Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/
REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH BUSINESS) 

A worker inspects titanium dental implants being colour coded at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013. Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/
REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH BUSINESS) 

A worker inspects titanium dental implants being colour coded at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013.
Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/ REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH) 

Titanium dental implants after spark anodization called "TiUnite" are seen at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013. Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 16. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/
REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH BUSINESS) 

A worker inspects titanium dental implants at the Nobel Biocare manufacturing facility in Yorba Linda, California May 16, 2013.
Nobel Biocare Holding AG is trying to regain its initial success after seeing its profits and image hit in recent years, as many European consumers stopped spending on cosmetic dentistry during the financial crisis and rivals pushed ahead with cheaper options. Picture taken May 14. To match story NOBELBIOCARE-TURNAROUND/ REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY HEALTH BUSINESS) 

Contestant Angie Miller (L) and singer Adam Lambert perform "Titanium" during the Season 12 finale of "American Idol" in Los Angeles, Calfiornia May 16, 2013. REUTERS/Phil McCarten (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)

Contestant Angie Miller (L) and singer Adam Lambert perform "Titanium" during the Season 12 finale of "American Idol" in Los Angeles, Calfiornia May 16, 2013. REUTERS/Phil McCarten (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)

DJ David Guetta holds his awards for "Titanium", "Turn Me On" and "Without You" at the 30th annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Hollywood, California April 17, 2013. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT) 

The rear end of a 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium model is seen at the Washington Auto show February 6, 2013. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

The rear end of a 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium model is seen at the Washington Auto show February 6, 2013. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

A 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium model is seen at the Washington Auto show February 6, 2013. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

Engine parts are displayed in front of a Ford Fiesta Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost car displayed on media day at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile, September 28, 2012. The Paris auto show opens its doors to the public from September 29 to October 14. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann (FRANCE - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

Tom Casey, the CEO of titanium dioxide producer Tronox speaks during an interview in New York, September 4, 2012. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS INDUSTRIAL) 

Tom Casey, the CEO of titanium dioxide producer Tronox speaks during an interview in New York, September 4, 2012. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS INDUSTRIAL) 

Tom Casey, the CEO of titanium dioxide producer Tronox speaks during an interview in New York, September 4, 2012. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS INDUSTRIAL) 

Italian heart surgeon Antonio Amodeo holds a tiny titanium pump, the world's smallest artificial heart, which was implanted in a baby, at the Bambino Gesu' Hospital in Rome May 24, 2012. Doctors from Rome's Bambino Gesu' Hospital saved the life of the 16-month-old baby in March with the artificial heart, which weighs only 11 grams, before the infant received an organ donation. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ITALY - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY) 

An Italian heart surgeon holds a tiny titanium pump, the world's smallest artificial heart, which was implanted in a baby, at the Bambino Gesu' Hospital in Rome May 24, 2012. Doctors from Rome's Bambino Gesu' Hospital saved the life of the 16-month-old baby in March with the artificial heart, which weighs only 11 grams, before the infant received an organ donation.
REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ITALY - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY) 

Italian heart surgeon Antonio Amodeo holds a tiny titanium pump, the world's smallest artificial heart, which was implanted in a baby, at the Bambino Gesu' Hospital in Rome May 24, 2012. Doctors from Rome's Bambino Gesu' Hospital saved the life of the 16-month-old baby in March with the artificial heart, which weighs only 11 grams, before the infant received an organ donation. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ITALY - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY) 

Ford Motor Research and Innovation Director Randy Visintainer (R) and Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) watch as TechShop founder Jim Newton (C) uses a plasma cutter to cut through a steel and titanium ribbon during the opening ceremony of the fabrication studio in Allen Park, Michigan May 4, 2012. TechShop Detroit, in collaboration with Ford Global Technologies and Ford Land, held a media preview on Friday before the public opening from May 5 to 6 of the member-based fabrication studio that uses industry standard machines and technologies to build prototypes and launch businesses. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) 

SCIENCE-CLOTHING/ - Diagrams explaining how titanium oxide coatings can make clothing "self-cleaning". RNGS. (SIN02) 

SCIENCE-CLOTHING/ - Diagrams explaining how titanium oxide coatings can make clothing "self-cleaning". RNGS. (SIN02) 

American geologist David Lowell speaks during the inauguration ceremony of an experimental titanium oxide extraction plant at Minga Pora August 5, 2011, after Lowell discovered a large titanium reserve in Paraguay. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno (PARAGUAY - Tags: ENERGY BUSINESS) 

American geologist David Lowell smiles during the inauguration ceremony of an experimental titanium oxide extraction plant at Minga Pora, Paraguay, August 5, 2011 after Lowell discovered a large titanium reserve in Paraguay. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno (PARAGUAY - Tags: BUSINESS HEADSHOT) 

Paraguayan firemen attend an inauguration ceremony for an experimental titanium oxide extraction plant in Minga Pora, east of Asuncion August 5, 2011. American geologist David Lowell, president of CIC Resources mining company, claims that his company's discovery of a major titanium deposit in the region could be the largest of that metal in the world. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno (PARAGUAY - Tags: BUSINESS) 

American geologist David Lowell (L) shakes hands with Paraguay's Vice President Federico Franco at the inauguration ceremony of an experimental titanium oxide extraction plant in Minga Pora August 5, 2011, after Lowell discovered a large titanium reserve in Paraguay. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno (PARAGUAY - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

A worker leaves after excavating for titanium in Minga Pora August 5, 2011. American geologist David Lowell, president of CIC Resources mining company, claims that his company's discovery of a major titanium deposit in the region could be the largest of that metal in the world. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno(PARAGUAY - Tags: BUSINESS) 

American geologist David Lowell attends the inauguration ceremony of an experimental titanium oxide extraction plant at Minga Pora August 5, 2011. Lowell, president of CIC Resources mining company, claims that his company's discovery of a major titanium deposit in the region could be the largest of that metal in the world. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno(PARAGUAY - Tags: BUSINESS HEADSHOT) 

Paraguayan geologist Monica Quintana (R) of CIC Resources mining company tests a sample of soil for its concentration of titanium, as she stands next to Paraguay's Vice President Federico Franco (L) and American geologist David Lowell (2nd L) in Minga Pora, east of Asuncion August 5, 2011. Lowell claims that his company's discovery of a major titanium deposit in the region could be the largest of that metal in the world. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno (PARAGUAY - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Paraguayan police stand in front of soil containing titanium ore during the inauguration ceremony for an experimental titanium oxide extraction plant in Minga Pora, east of Asuncion August 5, 2011. American geologist David Lowell, president of CIC Resources mining company, claims that his company's discovery of a major titanium deposit in the region could be the largest of that metal in the world. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno (PARAGUAY - Tags: BUSINESS) 

American geologist David Lowell (L) shakes hands with Paraguay's Vice President Federico Franco at the inauguration ceremony of an experimental titanium oxide extraction plant in Minga Pora August 5, 2011, after Lowell discovered a large titanium reserve in Paraguay. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno (PARAGUAY - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Paraguay's Vice President Federico Franco (2nd R) and American geologist David Lowell (C) inaugurate the opening of an experimental titanium oxide extraction plant in Minga Pora August 5, 2011 after Lowell discovered a large titanium reserve in Paraguay. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno(PARAGUAY - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Boeing employees crowd the tarmac as the company's 787 Dreamliner taxies down the runway before its maiden flight at Paine Field, December 15, 2009. Boeing Co completed the first test flight of its new lightweight carbon and titanium Dreamliner, but the flight was cut short because of bad weather. The flight was more than two years behind schedule because of manufacturing and design problems. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrives for a landing after its maiden flight, at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, December 15, 2009. Boeing Co completed the first test flight of its new lightweight carbon and titanium Dreamliner, but the flight was cut short because of bad weather. The flight was more than two years behind schedule because of manufacturing and design problems. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS TRANSPORT) 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner sits on the tarmac at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington after its maiden flight, December 15, 2009. Boeing Co completed the first test flight of its new lightweight carbon and titanium Dreamliner, but the flight was cut short because of bad weather. The flight was more than two years behind schedule because of manufacturing and design problems. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Boeing test pilot Mike Carriker (R) and first officer Randy Neville speak to the media after landing the 787 Dreamliner at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington after its maiden flight, December 15, 2009. Boeing Co completed the first test flight of its new lightweight carbon and titanium Dreamliner, but the flight was cut short because of bad weather. The flight was more than two years behind schedule because of manufacturing and design problems. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

Boeing test pilot Mike Carriker (R) is congratulated by Boeing executives after landing the 787 Dreamliner after its maiden flight, at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, December 15, 2009. Boeing Co completed the first test flight of its new lightweight carbon and titanium Dreamliner, but the flight was cut short because of bad weather. The flight was more than two years behind schedule because of manufacturing and design problems. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

Boeing test pilot Mike Carriker gives a thumbs-up after landing the 787 Dreamliner after its maiden flight, at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, December 15, 2009. Boeing Co completed the first test flight of its new lightweight carbon and titanium Dreamliner, but the flight was cut short because of bad weather.
The flight was more than two years behind schedule because of manufacturing and design problems. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner taxies down the runway as it readies for its maiden flight at Paine Field, December 15, 2009. Boeing Co made the first test flight of its 787 Dreamliner on Tuesday, almost two and a half years after the new, fuel-efficient plane, which is key to the company's financial future, was supposed to fly. The lightweight carbon and titanium plane, promising to save airlines million of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs, has been hampered by a shortage of bolts, faulty design and a two-month strike, and it still has a long way to go before it proves to be a success. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes off on its maiden flight at Paine Field, December 15, 2009. Boeing Co made the first test flight of its 787 Dreamliner on Tuesday, almost two and a half years after the new, fuel-efficient plane, which is key to the company's financial future, was supposed to fly. The lightweight carbon and titanium plane, promising to save airlines million of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs, has been hampered by a shortage of bolts, faulty design and a two-month strike, and it still has a long way to go before it proves to be a success. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner taxies down the runway as it readies for its maiden flight at Paine Field, December 15, 2009. Boeing Co made the first test flight of its 787 Dreamliner on Tuesday, almost two and a half years after the new, fuel-efficient plane, which is key to the company's financial future, was supposed to fly. The lightweight carbon and titanium plane, promising to save airlines million of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs, has been hampered by a shortage of bolts, faulty design and a two-month strike, and it still has a long way to go before it proves to be a success. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS) 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes off on its maiden flight at Paine Field, December 15, 2009. Boeing Co made the first test flight of its 787 Dreamliner on Tuesday, almost two and a half years after the new, fuel-efficient plane, which is key to the company's financial future, was supposed to fly. The lightweight carbon and titanium plane, promising to save airlines million of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs, has been hampered by a shortage of bolts, faulty design and a two-month strike, and it still has a long way to go before it proves to be a success. REUTERS/Robert Sorbo (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS IMAGES OF THE DAY)