Aircraft

Boeing is increasingly optimistic that its battle to reduce the 787's overall weight by around 2,270kg (5,000lb) may be succeeding after the weight of the initial batch of subassemblies indicated better than expected results.

Boeing 787 vice-president and general manager Mike Bair says measurements of "about 23-24%" of the aircraft's structure are "coming in a little less [in terms of weight] than we anticipated. But, being a conservative lot, we're not willing to say it's a trend yet, but it's better than the [alternative]."

He adds: "There are areas we know we've not had the best optimum design for weight, and we've implemented redesigns on those parts. We're on track with the improvement plan. Parts we've weighed are coming in lighter."