Boeing began major assembly of the 787 on 30 June, with the start of Fuji Heavy Industries’construction of the aircraft’s centre wing section. Once completed, it will be flown from Japan to Charleston, South Carolina, where contractor Global Aeronautica will integrate it with other 787 structures before sending it to Everett, Washington for final assembly. Boeing is due to begin final assembly of the first 787 in the second quarter of 2007, and flight testing in August next year.

Source: Flight International