A Boeing 787-9 that will be delivered to All Nippon Airways (ANA) took off for its first test flight yesterday. Notably, this aircraft is the final 787 built in the Seattle area, at least for the time being. Even though the manufacturer will continue to operate its assembly line in Washington state, it is moving the production of the Dreamliner to North Charleston in South Carolina.
Action needed
The decision to move production of the popular aircraft was made at the beginning of October last year. Boeing noted that has to strategically take measures to preserve its liquidity and reposition certain lines of business amid the global health crisis.
Valued efforts
Overall, Boeing is looking to increase efficiency and advance on performance in the long run. Production of its other key jets will nonetheless continue at the Pacific Coast.
"The Boeing 787 is the tremendous success it is today thanks to our great teammates in Everett. They helped give birth to an airplane that changed how airlines and passengers want to fly. As our customers manage through the unprecedented global pandemic, to ensure the long-term success of the 787 program, we are consolidating 787 production in South Carolina," said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in a statement.
"Our team in Puget Sound will continue to focus on efficiently building our 737, 747, 767 and 777 airplane families, and both sites will drive Boeing initiatives to further enhance safety, quality, and operational excellence."
Boeing also shared with Simple Flying earlier this month how it values its Everett staff. The firm emphasized that the workers in the area have played a significant role in the success of the program since the start.
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A challenging year
AeroTime highlights that there were several flaws in regard to the production of the 787 throughout 2020. Issues included the reported checks on the flight deck windows. In total, only four units of the widebody were delivered in the last quarter of 2020, which all occurred in October. There have been no new deliveries of the type since, as the firm has been conducting robust inspections of undelivered aircraft at its sites in Everett and North Charleston.
Nonetheless, Boeing seeks to resume deliveries of the Dreamliner this quarter. So, following the testing of N883BA, ANA will receive its brand-new 787 sooner than later. As for Everett, it will undoubtedly be an emotional time for staff at the site as they say goodbye to the revered model.
Simple Flying reached out to Boeing for comment on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. We will update the article with any further announcements from the company.
What are your thoughts about the last Boeing 787 Dreamliner being built at Everett? What do you make of the transition? Let us know what you think of the move in the comment section.