Boeing starts work on largest Dreamliner
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Boeing has commenced major assembly work on its first B787-10 aircraft – the largest version of the long-haul Dreamliner series.
The fuselage work commenced on 14 March, two weeks ahead of schedule, and the assembly and flight testing programmes will now continue until the delivery of the first B787-10, which is planned for 2018.
“Beginning major assembly early underscores the commitment, discipline and performance of the entire Boeing and partner team worldwide,” said Ken Sanger, vice president of airplane development for the B787 programme. “We are taking all the right steps to ensure we integrate the 787-10 into the production system smoothly.”
The B787-10 will be a “straightforward stretch” of the B787-9, according to Boeing. At 68.3 metres in length, the B787-10 will be 5.5m longer than B787-9 and 11.6m longer than the B787-8. It will be able to carry approximately 330 passengers in a standard two-class configuration.
The new aircraft will also continue to offer the improved economy of the Dreamliner series, delivering an estimated 25% reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to similar-sized aircraft currently in service.
To date, Boeing has taken orders for 153 B787-10s, with major airline customers including Etihad Airways (30 aircraft), Singapore Airlines (30), United Airlines (23), EVA Air (18) and BA (12).
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