Final assembly begins for Dreamliner No. 5 — picture

Published 12:07 pm Thursday, May 1, 2008

After moving its 787 static test aircraft last week, the Boeing Co. has started final assembly on the fifth Dreamliner in Everett.

This will be the third flight test 787 jet. Two Dreamliners — the static test and fatigue aircraft — will not be delivered to customers. Boeing still plans to turn the power on to the first 787 in June and put that aircraft into flight in the fourth quarter of 2008.

In the press release, Boeing also announced it has named a new vice president of 787 Final Assembly and Change Incorporation. Jack Jones, 53, replaces Steve Westby, who retired yesterday. Jones has been with Boeing more than 25 years and most recently served as the director of field operations and delivery.

“‘Traveled work’ on this airplane is 65 percent less than on the first,” Jones said, in the press statement.

During its 787 update call last month, Boeing officials had said this aircraft was 75 percent more complete than Dreamliner number one. However, after receiving all of the major components late last week, Boeing revised down its original estimate, said Mary Hanson, a spokeswoman for Boeing.