Big Announcement Spreads More Boeing Manufacturing Power Coast
To Coast
To much of South Carolina, this was the "Big One." Boeing
confirmed that it has chosen its North Charleston, S.C., facility
as the location for a second final assembly site for the 787
Dreamliner program. Boeing evaluated criteria that were designed to
find the final assembly location within the company that would best
support the 787 business plan as the program increases production
rates. In addition to serving as a location for final assembly of
787 Dreamliners, the facility also will have the capability to
support the testing and delivery of the airplanes.
"Establishing a second 787 assembly line in Charleston will
expand our production capability to meet the market demand for the
airplane," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial
Airplanes. "This decision allows us to continue building on the
synergies we have established in South Carolina with Boeing
Charleston and Global Aeronautica," he said, adding that this move
will strengthen the company's competitiveness and sustainability
and help it grow for the long term.
Boeing Charleston performs fabrication, assembly and systems
installation for the 787 aft fuselage sections. Across the street,
Global Aeronautica, which is 50 percent owned by Boeing, is
responsible for joining and integrating 787 fuselage sections from
other structural partners.
Until the second 787 assembly line is brought on line in North
Charleston, Boeing will establish transitional surge capability at
its Everett, Wash., location to ensure the successful introduction
of the 787-9, the first derivative model of the 787. When the
second line in Charleston is up and operating, the surge capability
in Everett will be phased out.
"We're taking prudent steps to protect the interests of our
customers as we introduce the 787-9 and ramp up overall production
to 10 twin-aisle 787 jets per month," said Albaugh.
"While we welcome the development of this expanded capability at
Boeing Charleston, the Puget Sound region is the headquarters of
Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Everett will continue to design and
produce airplanes, including the 787, and there is tremendous
opportunity for our current and future products here," Albaugh
emphasized. "We remain committed to Puget Sound."
Approximately 55 airlines have ordered around 840 787 airplanes
since the program was launched in 2003. The 787 family of airplanes
will carry 200 to 250 passengers on flights up to 8,200 nautical
miles (15,200 km). The 787 will be more efficient, quieter and have
lower emissions than other airplanes while offering passengers
greater comfort and the convenience of direct, nonstop flights
between more cities around the world.
"The 787 will provide airlines with unprecedented operating
economics and efficiencies. It also will take passengers where they
want to go, when they want to go, and do it more comfortably and
affordably than ever before," Albaugh said.
"This airplane will allow us to continue to set the standard for
commercial aviation in the second century of flight."