While Boeing ’ s versatile widebody airplane family has outperformed other similar jets , we have been forced to reduce production in line with customer demand in the near term .
As a result , Boeing ’ s 787 production will fall from a pre-pandemic peak of 14 jets per month to six per month in 2021 . This significant reduction led our company to conduct a comprehensive study on whether we could continue to efficiently produce 787s across two final assembly , paint and delivery facilities .
The Boeing facility in Everett is the only final assembly site where Boeing produces the 747 , 767 and 777 airplanes and their derivatives . Boeing produces the 737 airplane and its derivatives exclusively in Renton , Washington ( Boeing image )
Here are some key facts about Boeing ’ s 787 production :
Many 787 composite components , including the aftbody and midbody sections for all 787 models , are currently produced exclusively in South Carolina . Those massive components are flown to Everett aboard the Dreamlifter Large Cargo Freighter .
The fuselage section for the largest 787 model , the 787-10 , is built in North Charleston and cannot fit in the Dreamlifter . This model can only be built in South Carolina .
Everett faced significant logistical challenges if we were to consolidate production there .
In the end , these challenges proved to be prohibitive , guiding Boeing leaders to the strategic conclusion that if we must consolidate , the logical choice is North Charleston , South Carolina .
It is not a decision made lightly or in haste , but rather the product of a rigorous evaluation that included a deep understanding of the global market as well as the 787 production system .
Boeing opened the Workforce Readiness Center in Auburn , Washington in 2019 to house training and certification programs for Boeing Fabrication ’ s Puget Sound employees .
Photo Credit : The Boeing Company
As Stan Deal , president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said : “ The Boeing 787 is the tremendous success it is today thanks to our great teammates in Everett . They helped give birth to an airplane that changed how airlines and passengers want to fly .”
Stan went on to say : “ We recognize that production decisions can impact our teammates , industry and our community partners . We extensively evaluated every aspect of the program and engaged with our stakeholders on how we can best partner moving forward . These efforts will further refine 787 production and enhance the airplane ’ s value proposition . Meanwhile , both sites will drive Boeing initiatives to further enhance safety , quality and operational excellence .”
DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 ISSUE NO . 18 19