These images are available for
editorial use by news media.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing
(NYSE: BA) today held a groundbreaking
ceremony to mark the start of construction for the second final
assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner program at its Boeing
Charleston facility. The facility also will have the capability to
support the testing and delivery of airplanes.
"Today's event marks the beginning of an expansion plan that
will strengthen the 787 program and allow us to continue building
on the footprint we have established in South Carolina with Boeing
Charleston and Global Aeronautica," said Jim Albaugh, president and
CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Locating the second line in
North Charleston will allow Boeing to successfully compete in the
aerospace market and grow for the long-term benefit of many
stakeholders."
Today's groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Albaugh; South
Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford; Sen. Lindsey Graham; Sen. Jim DeMint;
Rep. Henry Brown; Rep. James Clyburn; State Sen. Hugh Leatherman;
State Sen. Glenn McConnell; State Rep., Speaker of the House Bobby
Harrell; Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor, Sr.;
North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey and other key officials from
South Carolina. Anita Zucker, chairperson and CEO of The InterTech
Group, Inc., served as master of ceremonies for the event.
ADVERTISEMENT
Boeing Charleston performs fabrication, assembly and systems
installation for the 787 aft fuselage sections. Global Aeronautica,
which is 50 percent owned by Boeing, is responsible for joining and
integrating 787 fuselage sections from other structural
partners.
"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," said Albaugh. "Puget Sound will continue to design
and produce airplanes, including the 787."
The 787 Dreamliner will be more efficient, quieter and have
lower emissions than other airplanes while offering passengers
greater comfort and the convenience of direct, nonstop flights
between more cities around the world. Fifty-five customers around
the world have ordered 840 787s since the program was launched in
April 2004, making the Dreamliner the fastest-selling new
commercial jetliner in history. The 787 family of airplanes will
carry 210 to 330 passengers on flights up to 8,500 nautical miles
(15,750 km).
Contact:
Yvonne Leach
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications
+1 206-854-5027
Candy Eslinger
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications
+1 843-819-1488
More information: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/787family/index.html
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photo and caption are available here:
http://boeing.mediaroom.com
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Boeing
CONTACT: Yvonne Leach, +1-206-854-5027, or Candy Eslinger,
+1-843-819-1488, both of Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Communications
Web Site:
http://www.boeing.com/