Boeing starts building first 777 at increased rate

On October 23rd Boeing began building the first 777 at the highest rate ever for a Boeing twin-aisle airplane. The rate of 8.3 airplanes per month is a nearly 20% increase over the previous seven per month rate. The first part, the lower lobe of the aft fuselage, of the first 777 to be built at the new rate was loaded into position in the factory Tuesday October 23rd. New technologies have been implemented to achieve the highest production rate the Everett plant has seen. Flex-track drilling machines in the 777 body and wings area along with automated spray-painting equipment have enabled employees to increase productivity and improve quality and safety.