Boeing Boosts 787 Dreamliner Production Rate to Four per Month

Boeing has announced an increase in production for its widebody 787 Dreamliner, with the rate rising from three to four planes per month. The company plans to further ramp up production to five planes per month by the end of the year.

Additionally, Boeing intends to add a second production line in Charleston, South Carolina, to accommodate modifications on inventory 787s. These modifications are necessary to meet the standards set by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Boeing’s Vice President and General Manager for the 787 program, Lane Ballard, stated that the production rate increase is part of the company’s plans to meet growing demand. The Charleston facility will handle modifications to the forward pressure bulkhead, addressing small gaps that exceed specifications. The Everett plant in Washington will continue performing similar modifications to ensure FAA compliance.

The announcement comes two months after Boeing secured a significant order for nearly 200 Dreamliners, highlighting the continued interest in the aircraft model. In April, Boeing stabilized production at three planes per month after temporarily operating at a lower rate.

Recent Boeing 787 orders:

• Lufthansa Group ordered 7 more Boeing 787-9s (March 2nd)
• Greater Bay Airlines ordered 5 Boeing 787s (March 3rd)
• Saudi Airlines ordered 78 Boeing 787s (March 14th)
• Air India ordered 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners (February 14th)
• American Airlines adjusted its Boeing 787 order in favor of 787-9s and deferred them to 2023 (January 4th)
• Hawaiian Airlines ordered 2 more Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and deferred ten others to later dates (January 4th)

Boeing’s decision to increase the production rate of the 787 Dreamliner to four planes per month demonstrates its commitment to meeting market demands. The company plans to continue expanding production, aiming for five planes per month by year-end. The company aims to reach a production rate of 10 planes per month by the 2025/2026 timeframe, with an estimated delivery of 70-80 Dreamliners in 2023.

The addition of a second production line in Charleston will enable necessary modifications to ensure compliance with FAA standards. As Boeing progresses towards its production goals, the Dreamliner remains a popular choice for customers worldwide.

Sources: AirGuide Business, Boeing, simpleflying.com