Parts begin arriving for third 787

The Boeing Co.’s Dreamliner partner, Vought Aircraft Industries, has delivered the aft fuselage for the third 787.

When Boeing confirmed another delay to its 787 Dreamliner earlier this month, program leader Pat Shanahan outlined several milestones to track progress on the 787. One of those milestones leading up to first flight: the arrival of major assemblies for airplane three in Everett by the end of April.

Vought’s making good on its part of that step by delivering its assembly on April 13, according to a company press statement. Vought says this aft fuselage is the first that includes structures and the start of systems components.

“We have successfully demonstrated our commitment to the quality and level of completeness of our aft sections to the 787 Dreamliner program, while at the same time effectively reducing the amount of traveled work to Boeing,” said Joy Romero, vice president of Vought’s 787 division. “In recent reviews with Boeing, they have indicated that Vought is taking the right actions in continuing to improve completeness and adding value to the program.”

By its own account, Vought in the past has admitted to being one of the most problematic partners in Boeing’s global chain. But Boeing recently came to Vought’s aid by buying out its shares in Global Aeronautica, its South Carolina joint venture with Italy’s Alenia.

According to its new schedule, Boeing intends to fly the 787 in the first quarter of 2008 and deliver the first Dreamliner in the third quarter of 2009.