Aviation News Item: 00177

29th Oct 2009

Source: ubmaviationnews.com

Boeing has chosen its Charleston, South Carolina, facility as the location for the second 787 final assembly site. The company was alternatively considering building a second Dreamliner assembly line at its Everett, Washington, location. The former Vought plant in Charleston, which the airframer acquired in July, currently performs fabrication, assembly and systems installation for the 787 aft fuselage sections. Global Aeronautica, which is also located in Charleston and is 50 per cent owned by Boeing, is responsible for joining and integrating 787 fuselage sections from other structural partners. Until the second assembly line is brought on line in North Charleston, the company wants to establish temporary "surge capability" at its Everett location to ensure the introduction of the 787-9, the first derivative model. When the second line in Charleston is up and running, the additional capability in Everett is to be phased out. Boeing plans to increase the production to 10 787 aircraft per month.

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