Boeing 787 News

Since the last media briefing on the 787 Dreamliner, the Boeing team has been working through the numerous issues the first airplane faces in readiness for first flight and the path to certification.

On the back of Boeing’s record orders for 2007 led by stellar sales in the 737 family, the 787 is now sold out until well into 2016.

With over 800 orders for the Dreamliner and an ambitious target of producing 109 airplanes in just over 23 months from now, many analysts are already speculating whether consideration for a second assembly line will be on the cards during 2008.

Image courtesy of Boeing

The first 787 Dreamliner, pictured above, now occupies the last assembly position - a sign that work on the airplane is reaching what we’d term as completion in preparation for power to be turned on. Nearly all of the major structures and systems on the airplane have now been installed.

The static test airplane too has faired well. Steady progress on airplane number two will see the jet stand on its own landing gear within the next few working days. In addition, fuselage testing has not shown any anomalies or incongruity and has performed as expected.

One other major milestone concerns the launch customer, All Nippon Airways (ANA).

Image courtesy of Boeing

A senior ANA pilot who commands flights aboard the burgeoning Boeing 777 fleet at the airline undertook a 787 simulator “test flight” to demonstrate the inter-flightdeck commonality and compatibility.

As Boeing stated back in mid-2005, pilots flying the 777 family will require about five days training to then fly the Dreamliner.

So far, things are looking good for the 787 in preparation for its inaugural flight. The stepping stone to that in achieving power on remains elusive.

Given the immense complexities of this extremely advanced airplane, it’s only a matter of time before that goal is reached.

6 comments January 8th, 2008