Boeing Co. said Thursday it had restructured its commercial aircraft operations to improve development and production, as it strengthens oversight of its global supply chain.

The announcement came shortly after the Chicago-based company said it was further delaying the first test flight and delivery of its highly anticipated 787 jetliner due to production problems and a recent strike.

The company says its commercial airplanes supplier management, fabrication, propulsion systems and manufacturing and quality organizations are now part of a new organization called supply chain management and operations.

The new organization will be led by 53-year-old Ray Conner, most recently vice president of sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.