The first Boeing 787 produced at the rate of 10 aircraft per month has rolled out of the company’s Everett, Washington facility.
The aircraft – a 787-8 destined for Aeromexico via lessor ILFC – is the 155th 787 manufactured. Boeing says the build rate is the highest ever for a wide bodied airliner, and represents the third production rate increase since November 2012.
“This rate increase reflects the continued strong demand for the 787,” Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager, 787 program said in a statement. “A disciplined approach that combined employee teamwork with technology was key to achieving the higher rate.”
But questions remain over whether the new rate is sustainable, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that Boeing is looking to re-hire contract engineers at its Charleston, South Carolina assembly line to address re-work issues at that facility.
The report says that, while many of the contractors were laid off just 12 months ago as the manufacturer sought to reduce costs on the program, the line is experiencing numerous rework issues that will require up to 300 more workers to address.
