Boeing's Race to the Finish

All eyes are on Boeing as they plan to deliver their first 787 Dreamliner Jet in May of 2008. Despite a four month delay placed on the 787 program, Boeing still strives to push forward and meet their deadline. The first flight of Boeing’s new jet was supposed to take place this past August, but has now been pushed back to sometime in November this year. Many industry analysts claim that it will be nearly impossible for the manufacturing giant to meet its deadline with all the delays that have been imposed on it.

Suppliers are hopeful that everything will continually go right for Boeing in the upcoming months to ensure that they receive their shipments of aircraft on time. While the Dreamliner is awaiting its first takeoff, some of the biggest airlines in the world are waiting for good news concerning its arrival to their fleet. By 2009, it is projected that Boeing will deliver 112 Dreamliners. There have been over 700 orders from 48 airlines to purchase the 787, some of which include ILFC, Qantas, Air Canada, Japan Airlines, and Continental Airlines.

However, there is still a long road ahead to assembling the 787. Engineers must install intricate webs of electrical wiring and high tech computer equipment throughout the aircraft that controls everything from the flight controls to the automated window shades. All of these systems must also be checked thoroughly to insure that there are no problems and allow the airplane to be declared airworthy and safe. Boeing reported that their two main concerns in the development are part shortages and time deadlines each month. If they begin to fall behind, it could set in motion delays of up to two years and extremely damage Boeing’s reputation and costing the company millions of dollars.

The production system of the 787 is becoming increasingly important as deadlines approach. Boeing needs to start mass assembling these monstrous aircraft to ensure they reach their destinations in Italy, Japan, and in the United States. Boeing’s latest design is said to be the best selling wide bodied jet in the world. The 787 Dreamliner is mainly composed of carbon fibers and is being advertised as more fuel efficient, comfortable, and easier to maintain than any other large jet airliner. Despite the production problems it has faced so far, Vought Aircraft Industries and General Electric issued a statement saying that is the progress is making steady improvements. The Boeing 787 is nonetheless a first class jet in every aspect in its design and over time will redefine luxury in commercial air travel.