Manufacturing

The USAF and Boeing have validated the final design elements of the KC-46A Tanker and concluded that the proposed design can meet Air Force requirements

Boeing will continue improving U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II mission readiness, and decreasing maintenance costs, through a follow-on order for 56 replacement wings for that aircraft. Boeing is on contract to build up to 242 wings, including these, at its plant in Macon, Ga. Refitting the fleet with new wings will improve the mission … Read more

The second member of the Boeing 787 family rolled out of the Everett factory to the flight line, where teams are preparing it to fly later this summer.

Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engines have run for the first time on the A350 XWB (MSN1) following the start-up of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), as part of the preparations for the aircraft’s maiden flight. Combined with the A350 XWB’s lightweight structure and advanced aerodynamics, these latest generation engines with their exceptionally low fuel consumption help … Read more

The newest member of the 787 family began taking shape on schedule May 30 in Everett, when Boeing started joining large sections of the super-efficient jet. “From the start, the entire 787-9 team has focused relentlessly on execution so that we fulfill the commitments to our customers,” said Mark Jenks, vice president, 787 Airplane Development, … Read more

Painting of the first A350 XWB “MSN001” was today fully completed as it emerged in its Airbus livery out from the paintshop in Toulouse.

Boeing has rolled out of the factory the first 787 Dreamliner to be built at the increased production rate of seven airplanes per month. The airplane, which rolled out earlier this week, is the 114th 787 to be built overall and the 100th 787 to be built at the Everett factory. Boeing’s 787 program is … Read more

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed a contract with Lockheed Martin to produce wings for the F-35 fighter. IAI will begin delivering the F-35 wings in 2015. The contract’s duration is for about 10-15 years, with potential sales reaching $2.5 billion. The contract marks a key milestone in the existing F-35 cooperation between IAI and Lockheed … Read more

Airbus manufacturing in the United States advanced another step closer to reality today in Mobile, Alabama, as construction of the company’s A320 Family Assembly Line officially began. During a groundbreaking ceremony at the Mobile Brookley Aeroplex, Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier acknowledged the significance of the U.S. facility to Airbus’ global growth. “Building an … Read more

Boeing opened its new expanded Everett Delivery Center (EDC), a world-class facility which will be the home of deliveries for the 747-8, 767, 777 and 787. The grand opening ceremony was attended by Boeing employees, customers and state dignitaries. “Boeing is producing market-leading commercial airplanes at its highest rates ever,” said Pat Shanahan, senior vice … Read more