Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner begins major assembly
Boeing partner Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. began installing the circular frames into the midforward section of the fuselage on 14 March, a full two weeks ahead of schedule.
“Beginning major assembly early underscores the commitment, discipline and performance of the entire Boeing and partner team worldwide,” said Ken Sanger, vice president of 787 Airplane Development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are taking all the right steps to ensure we integrate the 787-10 into the production system smoothly.”
As a straightforward stretch of the 787-9, which entered service in 2014, Boeing designed the 787-10 for both efficiency and maximum commonality. Ninety-five percent of the design and build of the 787-10 and 787-9 will be identical, reducing complexity, cost and risk across the entire production system while providing operational benefits to customers.
The 787-10 will undergo final assembly at Boeing South Carolina in North Charleston.
To date, the 787-10 has won 153 orders from nine leading customers around the world, accounting for 13 percent of all 787 orders.