Boeing (Chicago, Seattle and Charleston) has issued this statement:
Boeing started final assembly of the 787-9 Dreamliner at its South Carolina facility. The team began joining large fuselage sections of the newest 787 November 22 on schedule, a proud milestone for the South Carolina team and another sign of stability for the program.
The North Charleston, S.C., site joins Boeing’s Everett, Washington, final assembly, which began 787-9 production in May 2013. United Airlines will take delivery of the first South Carolina-built 787-9.
The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family, offering airlines the ability to grow routes opened with the 787-8. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters), the 787-9 can fly up to 40 more passengers an additional 450 nautical miles (830 kilometers) with the same exceptional environmental performance – 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces. The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passenger-pleasing features such as large, dimmable windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.
Copyright Photo: Steve Bailey/www.vrefphotos.com/AirlinersGallery.com). United Airlines is already operating the stretched 787-9 Dreamliner, previously delivered from the Seattle area. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner N38950 (msn 36401) taxies at Boeing Field in Seattle.
United Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery): 