South Carolina Boeing

Whilst deliveries of the Boeing 787 are still very slow (seven have gone to ANA so far and four to Japan Airlines), the second production line at North Charleston, South Carolina, has quickly got under way.  Boeing only announced it had chosen the site in November 2009.  The first flight of a Dreamliner built in South Carolina took place last week, the aircraft destined for Air India with a mid-summer delivery expected.

The aircraft completed what was a straight forward five-hour initiation flight confirming the plane's controls and systems in a series of scenarios designed to verify the plane’s technical performance.  The tests occurred at all stages beginning prior to taxi, through final landing and taxi.

During the flight, the crew checked the functionality of onboard systems at high and medium altitudes.  They also confirmed backup and critical safety elements including cabin pressurization, avionics, and navigation and communications systems.  In addition, they shut down and re-started each engine during the flight.

The aeroplane will be flown to Ft Worth, Texas, to be painted with Air India's livery before returning to Boeing South Carolina prior to delivery.

The total Boeing 787 order book stands at a very healthy 854 firm commitments. www.boeing.com/commercial

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