Side-of-Body Installations Complete on First Boeing 787 Dreamliner

EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has
completed installing reinforcements within the side-of-body section on the
first 787 Dreamliner.

The modification entails installing new fittings at 34 stringer locations
within the joint where the wing is attached to the fuselage. Installations
were completed yesterday.

Boeing expects to complete the installations on the static test airframe and
the second flight-test airplane in the coming days.

"Completing this work is a significant step toward first flight. We continue
to be pleased with the progress of the team and remain confident the first
flight of the 787 Dreamliner will occur before the end of the year," said
Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "We will
test the modification on the full-scale static test airframe later this month.
As soon as we confirm the loads are being handled appropriately in the joint
we will complete preflight activities on the airplane."

Once the modification is complete on the static test airframe, it will be
refitted with strain gauges and instrumentation required for testing. Access
doors, systems, seals and fasteners removed from airplane No. 1 to provide
access are being restored in preparation for continued testing on the
airplane. Boeing continues to install fittings on the fatigue test airframe
and the remaining flight-test airplanes. Other airplanes will be modified in
the weeks ahead. Overall, the work on modifying airplanes is progressing well,
Fancher said.

"We have a strong and capable team that has performed exceptionally well,"
Fancher said. "I'm very pleased with the team's dedication to meet our
commitment to fly before the end of the year."

After airplane No. 1 is restored, the flight-test team will perform another
set of gauntlet and taxi tests to ensure that all systems are ready for
flight. Fancher noted that with the exception of a single high-speed taxi
test, all remaining flight-test activities have been successfully completed on
the first flight-test airplane.

Contact:
Mary Hanson
787 Communications
+1 425-294-6101
mary.hanson@boeing.com

More information: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/787family/index.html

SOURCE Boeing

Mary Hanson, 787 Communications of Boeing, +1-425-294-6101,
mary.hanson@boeing.com