BOEING PARTS SUPPLIERS IN JAPAN READY FOR 787-9 AIRCRAFT

NAGOYA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -– As the delivery date for the Boeing 787-8 is
imminent, parts suppliers here are already well prepared to start production
for the Boeing 787-9 within the next 18 months.

Boeing 787-8 is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2011 while
the 787-9 in 2013.

The 787-8 Dreamliner will have the capacity to carry 210-250 passengers on
routes of 14,200 to 15,200 kilometres while the 787-9 Dreamliner can carry 250
to 290 passengers on routes of 14,800 to 15,750 kilometres.

Boeing 787 parts suppliers in Japan are Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd (FHI),
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd (KHI) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (MHI).

In a snap shot, FHI makes the Section 11 centre wingbox and integrates it
with the main landing gear wheel well structure; KHI makes Section 43 forward
centre fuselage and Section 45 wheel well, while MHI produces the wings.


FHI's 787 Programme Manager Yasuhiro Toi said its expansion to accommodate
parts production for both jet models will be ready next July.

“We can start production of parts for the 787-9 in 18 months,” he said
during the Asia-Pacific 787 Suppliers Media Tour to the plant here.

As for KHI, it has already extended its current facility and is waiting to
begin operations.

“The new plant is partially in operations for the 787-8. We are adding
another assemble line next spring,” said Akira Taniguchi, senior staff officer,
manufacturing division, Aerospace company.

Pre-production for the 787-9 aircraft will start next year, he said.

KHI would use the same machines for the bigger version of the Dreamliner,
but the tools for the jet would differ from that of 787-8, he explained.

Similarly, MHI, the plant that produces parts for the Boeing 787-8, has
been
intentionally made comparable to 787-9 from the production perspective, its site
manager, 787 Japan Programme, MHI Commercial Airplanes, Alan L. Crowder, said.

However, none of the parts suppliers revealed the investment made to
produce
the parts of the jet or for expansion.

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 will
provide airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional
environmental performance.

The airplane will use 20 per cent less fuel for comparable missions than
today's similarly sized airplanes. It will also travel at speeds similar to
today's fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue
capacity.

Passengers will also see improvements with the new airplane, from an
interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience.