The largest member of Boeing’s 787 family of aircraft has entered the final assembly line at the manufacturer’s Charleston, South Carolina facility.
Boeing said on December 8 the first 787-10 was expected to fly for the first time in 2017, with first delivery due to take place in 2018.
“As we enter the next phase of the 787-10’s development, we eagerly watch our first airplane come to life,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president and general manager, 787 Airplane Development Ken Sanger said in a statement.
“This is the result of years of preparation and solid performance by our Boeing teammates and supplier partners. This achievement is another example that demonstrates Boeing’s ability to develop great airplanes in a disciplined fashion in order to meet our customer commitments.”
The 787-10 is the third and largest member of the 787 product. The aircraft, which shares about 95 per cent commonality with the 787-9 that first flew in 2014, is designed to carry 330 passengers in a two-class configuration a distance of 6,430nm, according to the Boeing website.
Boeing’s Charleston facility will build the 787-10. The company said it has received 154 orders for the 787-10 from nine customers.
Airlines that fly to Australia and have ordered the 787-10 included ANA, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, United and British Airways.
