Boeing completes design of 787-9

Published 9:50 am Thursday, July 1, 2010

The Boeing Co. said today that it’s completed the design of its stretch 787, the 787-9, allowing partners and potential customers to plan for making the new jet and using it.

“Firm configuration means the airplane’s structural, propulsion and systems architectures are defined and not changing,” Mark Jenks, vice president of 787-9 development for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a statement. Boeing has completed the studies required to sign off on the airplane’s capability and basic design, allowing it and its suppliers to begin detailed design of parts, assemblies and other systems.

The first 787-9 is set for delivery in late 2013.

The 787-9 is the second member of the 787 family. A slightly bigger version of the original 787, the airplane will seat 250-290 passengers, 16 percent more than the original 787. The 787-9 will have a range of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles.

Boeing is still producing the first 787s, which are scheduled to be delivered near the end of this year.