Boeing sees capacity for 15 787s monthly

The Boeing Co. has the capacity to build 15 787s monthly with its facilities in Everett and South Carolina, an executive said Wednesday.

But getting up to that rate would require an “investment on the part of the supply chain,” said Jim Albaugh, president of Boeing Commercial Ai

rplanes.

Albaugh spoke at an event in Everett to commemorate the 1,000th 767 aircraft. That jet is the last 767 to be built in its original section of Boeing’s massive Everett factory.

Last year, Boeing began work to shrink the 767’s footprint in the factory, positioning the entire line at the back of the factory. The move was designed, in part, to accommodate a temporary “surge” line in Everett for the 787.

Boeing had said it would use the surge line until its second full 787 assembly line in North Charleston, S.C., is up to speed.

But Albaugh seemed to indicate that the nature of the surge line is becoming more permanent.

Boeing is expected to deliver the first 787 in the third quarter and eventually ramp up to 10 787s monthly in 2013.

“There’s a demand for more than 10,” Albaugh said. “It’s more of a supply chain issue than a final assembly issue.”