Boeing begins assembly of the 1,000th 767

Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) has begun assembly of the 1,000th 767 airplane at the factory in Everett, WA. Mechanics took the first step in major assembly by loading the wing spar into the assembly tool. The spar is the internal support structure that runs through the full length of the wing.

The 1,000th airplane, a 767-300 ER (extended range) passenger model, is scheduled for delivery in February 2011 to long-time customer ANA (All Nippon Airways). ANA ordered its first 767 in 1979 and has taken delivery of 89 767s to date.

Boeing will use the 767 as the platform for its NewGen Tanker if it wins the U.S. Air Force KC-X Tanker competition. Contract award currently is scheduled for mid-November.