Boeing

Boeing has started major assembly operations of its first 787-10 Dreamliner, two weeks ahead of schedule.

The airplane manufacturer’s associate Kawasaki Heavy Industries has begun installing circular frames into the midforward section of the fuselage of the aircraft, which is the third and longest member of the 787 family.

Boeing is planning to conduct final assembly of the 787-10 airliner next year at its North Charleston facility in South Carolina, US, with deliveries expected to begin in 2018.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787 airplane development vice-president Ken Sanger said: "Beginning major assembly early underscores the commitment, discipline and performance of the entire Boeing and partner team worldwide.

"We are taking all the right steps to ensure we integrate the 787-10 into the production system smoothly."

A major portion of the design and build of the 787-10 aircraft is similar to its predecessor 787-9, which entered service in 2014.

"We are taking all the right steps to ensure we integrate the 787-10 into the production system smoothly."

Featuring 224ft of length and 56ft of height, the 787-10 is designed to provide 25% better fuel use than the aircraft it will replace.

Boeing said that the aircraft will cut complexity, cost and risk across the entire production system, as well as provide operational benefits to its customers.

The 787-10 has so far secured 153 orders from nine customers worldwide, accounting for 13% of all orders under 787 families of aircraft.

Image: Major assembly of the first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner is underway. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.