According to figures obtained by Flight International, the planned ramp-up in 787 production will take place in several phases. The initial rate will launch at four per month, rising to six per month within one year. The rate then increases to 10 per month in 2010 under the current rate acceleration plan agreed under the initial study.
The latest study is understood to focus on the investment required to go to 14 and even 16 per month in a phased-in build-up over 2011-2012 and beyond. This period will include the development of the ‘double-stretch’ 787-10 variant which is currently timed to enter service “towards the back end of 2012, or perhaps early 2013”, says 787 general manager Mike Bair.
The rate increase is dependent on the availability of the Boeing 747-400LCF (Large Cargo Freighter) development which is underway in Taiwan at EGAT (Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation), a joint venture between EVA Air and General Electric.
Certification of the modified aircraft is due to be completed by the end of 2006 with entry-into-service on the production sub-assembly delivery flights due in early 2007.
Source: Flight International
