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Boeing has announced that the production of 787 Dreamliners resumed Thursday with the addition of a fifth airplane that is designated for flight test. It will be the first to be powered with General Electric GEnx engines.
"This airplane signifies our return to a steady production rhythm," said Jack Jones, vice president of 787 Final Assembly and Change Incorporation. "Sections are arriving at the completion levels committed by our partners and close to what is expected for mature production."
Five of the six airplanes designated for flight test are now in varying stages of production. Power was restored earlier this week to the first flight-test airplane and production testing has resumed. Rolls-Royce engines are hung on the second flight-test airplane, currently in the fourth and final production position in the factory. The third and fourth flight-test airplanes are in the third and second production positions, respectively.
Assemblies for the sixth and final flight-test airplane are in production at partner sites worldwide. In all, assemblies for 30 Dreamliners are in production at this time. The 787 Dreamliner has orders for 895 airplanes from 58 airlines.