The Boeing 787 program is making remarkable strides in its widebody jet production. The program recently amplified the production pace of its prestigious widebody jet to four aircraft monthly. This development unfolded at a press conference on 30 May at Boeing’s 787 assembly plant situated in Charleston, South Carolina. According to Lane Ballard, vice-president and general manager of the Boeing 787 program, a 787 is now successfully rolling off the production line every five production days.
Journey Towards Expansion
With sights set on substantial expansion, Boeing has a structured plan to escalate its widebody jet production to five aircraft monthly by the close of this year. An even bolder step in the plan will be the inauguration of a second production line by 2024. “Next year, you will actually see a second line in progress as we start going back up in rate,” remarked Ballard.
Looking Forward with Optimism
Boeing, having its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, earlier expressed the ambitious aim of delivering between 70 to 80 787s in 2023. This significant volume corresponds to an average of 5.8 to 6.7 monthly Dreamliner deliveries. The current scene at Boeing’s 787 production plant displays half of the floor dedicated to joint verification work. This proactive effort is to manage a backlog of undelivered aircraft. Ballard disclosed, “We have about 90 aircraft in inventory that we are working to get delivered,” adding the objective is to have those planes delivered before the year concludes.
Once this goal is accomplished, Boeing plans to utilize the extra factory floor space to introduce a second 787 final assembly line. “The plan is to go up to 10 a month – five a month [on the existing line] and five a month on the other one,” Ballard confirmed.
Resilience Amid Setbacks
Prior to the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, Boeing was producing 14 Dreamliners monthly. This production took place at their facilities in Charleston and Everett, Washington. However, the pandemic led to a consolidation of the 787 production at the Charleston facility.
Despite facing a series of high-profile setbacks, including a manufacturing quality issue with its composite fuselage, the Boeing 787 program has shown resilience. After an interruption in deliveries for most of 22 months, the program made a strong comeback, resuming deliveries in August 2022.
Future Prospects
The future looks promising for the Boeing 787 program. Boeing reported that it has received 250 orders for Dreamliner-family aircraft over the past six months. Cirium fleets data reveals more than 1,000 787s are currently in operation, and 79 of the largest variant, the 787-10, have been delivered by Boeing.
The Boeing 787 program’s surge in widebody jet production indicates a proactive strategy to meet the increasing demand for Dreamliner deliveries. Despite confronting challenges, the program has made a commendable comeback, showcasing resilience and innovation in its approach. As the program further expands, it promises to reach new heights in the aviation industry, revolutionizing the dynamics of widebody jet production.
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