Thursday, November 20, 2014

Charleston to start building 787-9

Since Boeing's 787 plant in North Charleston opened in 2011 it has exclusively built the 787-8.  This Sunday (Nov. 23rd) that will change when ZB170 (LN 269, N35953) is loaded into position 1A at the North Charleston plant to start the final assembly process.  The aircraft is destined for United Airlines and should be delivered sometime in March.

This is a huge milestone as the future of the 787 seems to be tied to the 787-9 and, to certain extent, the 787-10.  As the production rate increases in North Charleston there should be more 787-9s being built in North Charleston but for the first year or so most of the 787s that are built in Boeing North Charleston will be the 787-8.  In 2015 I expect the lion share of 787-9 that are delivered will be built in Everett.
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9 comments:

  1. North CharlestonNovember 21, 2014 at 9:20 AM

    The Boeing South Carolina is in the city of North Charleston, not the city of Charleston. They are two geographically different places.

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  2. UnknownNovember 21, 2014 at 2:28 PM

    And don't you forget it! Thanks for the correction. I never would have known (or cared.)

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  3. TravelingManNovember 21, 2014 at 4:32 PM

    So we can safely say that you prefer ignorance Pat. So long as we're clear.

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  4. 1coolguy1November 21, 2014 at 4:33 PM

    With all the traveled work still confounding the assembly in Everett, I am surprised they believe Charleston can handle the -9. I expected this to occur, yet not before they were well clear of the traveled work.

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  5. BoredEngr1013November 21, 2014 at 7:51 PM

    That's an ignorant comment, the mid body line has built every -9 barrel to date, what difference does it make where they deliver it... It's not CHS final assembly that is traveling work to EVT

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  6. FlightEngineer404November 21, 2014 at 8:07 PM

    Also interesting that Charleston final assembly seems to be having less trouble getting airplanes in the air and out the door than final assembly in Everett. Is Boeing sending mid body units with more problems to Everett final assembly than to Charleston final assembly or does the larger facility in Charleston let them catch up on travelled work better.

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  7. 1coolguy1November 21, 2014 at 11:07 PM

    BoredEngr1013 - If you cannot have a respectful discussion take your comments elsewhere.
    As the TRAVELED work is FROM Charleston TO Everett, by definition Charleston has work to do.
    As the 787 to-date has been a Harvard Business School study in how NOT to manufacture a product, it stands to reason Boeing should make darned sure ALL aspects of the Charleston plant are running smoothly. If Charleston's traveled work was not present, the production from Everett would be on schedule and in budget.
    Has anyone learned the traveled work to Everett has been rectified and is no longer?

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  8. UnknownNovember 24, 2014 at 1:47 PM

    Very clear, thank you. Unfortunately you're going to have to correct many people on this website. Good luck with that. Clear enough?

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  9. John ENovember 24, 2014 at 5:05 PM

    Any traveled work from Charleston is from the fuselage plants 1coolguy1, NOT the final assembly plant.

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