Boeing begins final assembly of 787-9 Dreamliner

Boeing has started final assembly of the first 787-9 Dreamliner, in Everett, Washington, US, integrating large sections of the super-efficient jetliner.

The aircraft manufacturer stated that its global partners have delivered the sections for the first 787-9 to final assembly on or ahead of schedule, with assembly underway on the other flight-test aeroplanes.

Boeing will build the first three 787-9s on its temporary surge line in Everett to enable smoother integration of the aircraft into the production system, while continuing to ramp up production across the 787 programme.

The 787-9, which will complement and extend the 787 family, will offer airlines the ability to grow routes opened with the 787-8.

Featuring a fuselage stretched by 6m, the 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8 and will accommodate up to 40 additional passengers

The aircraft will fly an additional 300nm, using 20% less fuel compared with similar sized aeroplanes in the segment.

The 787-9 is scheduled to make its maiden flight in the second half of 2013.

The first aircraft is slated to be delivered to launch customer Air New Zealand in early 2014.

Boeing has to date logged 355 firm orders for 787-9s from 20 customers worldwide, which accounts for 40% of all 787 orders.

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Image: The 787-9 is scheduled for its maiden flight in the second half of 2013. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.