Currently Back-Ordered To 2013

Despite early problems with the design, Boeing is now so pleased with its bulging order book for the 787 Dreamliner, it has decided to boost production of the new aircraft.

The company confirmed Monday it is now looking at building a second assembly line for the plane because it has received better-than-expected orders and wants to get airplanes to customers faster. 

"I think it's a fairly obvious conclusion that we're going to go up higher than we originally planned," said Mike Bair, vice-president and general manager of the 787 program, to the Financial Times.

Last month, Boeing admitted it boosted research spending by 60 percent --  to $500 million -- because it was concerned the plane was getting too heavy. The plane is currently two percent overweight, but officials expect a new wing design will be able to help the plane come in under its expected numbers. 

The 787 is scheduled to make its first flight next year and delivered to the first customers in May 2008. At current production rates, the plane is sold out until at least 2013. The new assembly line would start production in 2011.

FMI: www.boeing.com