Newest 787 Extends the Family

Boeing has begun final assembly of the first 787-9 Dreamliner. The newest member of the 787 family began taking shape on schedule May 30 in Everett, Wash., when Boeing started joining large sections of the fuel-efficient jet. 

"From the start, the entire 787-9 team has focused relentlessly on execution so that we fulfill the commitments to our customers," says Mark Jenks, vice president, 787 airplane development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Integrating the 787-9 into our production system on time is another clear sign that we are well prepared and well positioned for the work ahead."

Boeing's global partners delivered the first 787-9 sections to final assembly on or ahead of schedule, and strong progress continues beyond, with major assembly under way on the other flight-test airplanes. "The dedication, quality and skill of our partners are helping drive our disciplined performance," says Jenks.

Boeing will build the first three 787-9s on its temporary surge line in Everett to allow for smoother integration of the 787-9 into the production system while continuing to ramp up production across the 787 program.

The 787-9 will complement and extend the 787 family, offering airlines the ability to grow routes opened with the 787-8. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters), the 787-9 will carry 40 more passengers an additional 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers) while using 20 percent less fuel than similarly sized airplanes, according to Boeing. The 787-9 leverages the design of the 787-8, offering features passengers prefer, such as large, dimmable windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

First flight of the 787-9 is scheduled for the second half of 2013, with first delivery to launch customer Air New Zealand set for early 2014. Twenty customers around the world have ordered 355 787-9s, accounting for 40% of all 787 orders.