787 Side Body Reinforcements Being Installed In Everett

Reinforcing modifications are underway on the Dreamliner #1 fuselage, as well as the static test airframe, according to a blog written by Randy Tinseth, vice president of marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Seattle.

Tinseth writes that new fittings at stringer attachment locations within the joint where the wing attaches to the fuselage are being mounted at the current time, and "work will get underway in the coming days on additional flight test airplanes."

ZA001 is in the paint hangar, Tinseth says, with the other 5 airframes at various locations around the Everett, Washington facility.

In a message sent to employees Wednesday, Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Jim Albaugh said "it’s important to remember that the 787 is truly the first new airplane of the 21st century. It’s a game-changer. And as such, it’s a departure from all commercial airplanes produced since Boeing launched the commercial jet age with the 707."

Airframe #5 Photo Credit Boeing

Albaugh admitted that the Dreamliner had not proceeded on schedule, but that "our team understands what needs to be done, from now through first flight and on into flight test and deliveries."

Boeing has told customers it still expects the first flight of the Dreamliner to come by the end of this year.

FMI: www.boeing.com