ATW Daily News

Boeing breaks ground on South Carolina 787 FAL

Monday November 23, 2009

Boeing Friday broke ground on a second 787 final assembly line site in North Charleston, S.C. The company last month announced that it would place a second 787 FAL in North Charleston rather than near Seattle (ATWOnline, Oct. 29). It is expected to be completed by mid-2011 and is being built with the capacity to support production of three Dreamliners per month. The FAL is expected to add about 1,000 jobs to the Boeing Charleston facility, which will have the capability to support the testing and delivery of aircraft as well, the manufacturer said.

"We look forward to expanding our capability in South Carolina through our existing site, while maintaining our commitment to the Puget Sound region where Boeing Commercial Airplanes remains headquartered," Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh said. "Puget Sound will continue to design and produce airplanes, including the 787." Boeing officials attending the groundbreaking told reporters that 787 first flight remains on track to occur before year end.

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