Boeing provides 787 progress update

Boeing and representatives from 140 airlines, financial institutions and supplier partners spent two days in Seattle this week discussing progress on the all-new 787 Dreamliner airplane. Called the Progress Summit III, the meeting featured open discussion about development progress, customer requirements, airplane financing, production plans, and concepts for standardizing and simplifying the 787. Since launching the program in April 2004, 25 customers have ordered 309 airplanes. During the meeting Boeing discussed updated ranges and seat counts for each 787 family member. The range for the 787-9 is 8,600 – 8,800 nmi; the 787-8 is 8,000 – 8,500 nmi; and the 787-3 is 3,000 – 3,500 nmi, the seat ranges for the 787-8 are 210 – 250; the 787-9 is 250 – 290; and the 787-3 is 290 – 330 seats. The next major milestone for the 787 will be in 2007 when the first 787 enters production. Flight test will occur the same year, with certification, delivery and entry into service in 2008.