Space in the city

EVERETT, Wash., May 21, 2007 -- Final assembly of the all-new Boeing [NYSE: BA] 787 Dreamliner began today with a ceremony in Everett, Wash. "Today we begin assembling the first airplane of a new generation," said Scott Strode, 787 vice president of Airplane Definition and Production. "The 787 not only will revolutionize air travel, it represents a new way of building airplanes." With 568 firm orders from 44 airlines, the 787 is the fastest-selling new airplane in aviation history. The 787 production system was designed using Lean manufacturing techniques in a simplified final assembly process. "The 787 production system is the culmination of the lessons we've learned building previous airplanes," said Steve Westby, 787 vice president of Manufacturing and Quality. "Using composites on the 787 airframe has a number of manufacturing advantages. We are able to build huge structure in just one piece, which means we essentially have six major end items...

The rivalry between Airbus and Boeing got hotter. Airbus decided to build a plane to complete with Boeing’s 787 (Dreamliner). This could also prove that the Boeing’s strategy to build mid size plan that is fuel efficient is in line with the market needs. To read more about the about the Airbus A350 XWB, the mid-sized jet designed to rival Boeing's 787 Click Here