Boeing Helena has expanded its facility in Montana, US, and added 90,000ft² of space to support the production of its newest family of 777X twin-aisle aircraft.

With the expansion, parent company Boeing will be able to install new machine tools to produce critical titanium parts for the 777X family.

It has also enabled Boeing Helena to feature more than 257,000ft² of space at its Montana site.

Parts to be produced at the new facility for the 777X aircraft programme include side-of-body chords, and terminal end fittings, which connect the wings to the fuselage.

Boeing vice-president and general manager Kim Smith said: “Our investment in Boeing Helena is a testament to our incredible, hardworking team members and their ability to deliver on our commitments to the company.

“It further positions our highly skilled Montana team of nearly 150 employees as a key partner for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.”

“Our investment in Boeing Helena is a testament to our incredible, hardworking team members and their ability to deliver on our commitments to the company."

Boeing Helena is already involved in the manufacture of complex machining of hard metals for Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ 737, 747, 767 and 787 families of aircraft.

Helena Area Chamber of Commerce president Cathy Burwell said: “When people think of Montana, they think ‘Big Sky Country', mountains, agriculture and ranching.

“Last year alone, Boeing spent nearly $12m with 58 Montana suppliers and vendors in the state, and supported 470 direct and indirect jobs.”

Boeing’s 777X family of aircraft is expected to consume 12% less fuel and offer reduced operating costs compared to its rivals. It will also feature new high-efficiency wings and other improvements.