Boeing

Boeing [NYSE:BA] completes its 7E7 Dreamliner partner team by selecting its Wichita division to provide the all-new passenger jet's pylons and Goodrich Corporation to provide the nacelles, including the thrust reverser.

The pylon holds the engine to the airplane while the nacelle is the outer covering of an engine. The nacelle system will be designed and supplied by Goodrich's Aerostructures business, headquartered in Chula Vista, California.

The Boeing Commercial Airplanes Propulsion Systems Division (PSD), based in Tukwila, Wash., will continue its role in managing the engine relationships with 7E7 engine partners General Electric and Rolls-Royce. In addition, PSD will be part of the 7E7 Propulsion Team providing both engineering and procurement support.

"The progress we have made since making the first partner decisions last November has been outstanding," said 7E7 Senior Vice President Mike Bair. "We have established an aerospace industry all-star team that will bring the world's airlines and travelers a more advanced, efficient and comfortable airplane."

The 7E7 partner team includes 15 companies from at least 10 U.S. states and seven countries. Many partners operate in multiple countries and states.

"The combined knowledge and abilities of these companies will result in an airplane that exceeds the expectations of our customers and passengers," Bair said.

Boeing continues receiving strong customer support for the 7E7 and has submitted a number of firm contract proposals to airlines. The company expects to launch the new airplane this year.

Additional Information:

7E7

The 7E7 is a family of three airplanes, all of which will use the same engine type. The 7E7-8 Dreamliner will carry 217 passengers in three-classes of seating with a range of up to 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 kilometers). The 7E7-3 Dreamliner, a model of the 7E7-8 optimized for shorter flights, will carry 289 passengers in two-class seating on ranges up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 kilometers). The 7E7-9 Dreamliner, a longer version of the 7E7-8, will carry 257 passengers in three classes with a range of 8,300 nautical miles (15,400 kilometers).

It is being designed to provide customers with a better flying experience including and improved cabin environment with more room and more conveniences.

Boeing Propulsion Systems Division

"We look forward to working together with the 7E7 team, the engine companies and the 7E7 partners to provide critical propulsion expertise for the 7E7. The Propulsion Systems Division is thrilled to help our 7E7 customers take flight," said Mo Yahyavi, vice president of the Boeing Propulsion Systems Division.

The Boeing Commercial Airplanes Propulsion Systems Division, located in south Seattle, performs a variety of propulsion systems manufacturing, engineering and integration services for both production and in-service airplanes. PSD also performs flight test support and certification services, and serves as an Federal Aviation Administration authorized repair station in support of airlines with airplanes-on-ground (AOG).

Boeing -- Wichita

"This announcement confirms the dedication and knowledge of the entire strut value chain in creating a center of excellence in Wichita for building struts for Boeing commercial airplanes. It also reinforces the critical role Wichita has in the next generation of Boeing innovation and production," said Jeff Turner, vice president/general manager of the Wichita Division for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Boeing Wichita produces part of every Boeing commercial jetliner, including the fuselage of the 737. Wichita also designs and builds engine nacelles and nose sections for the 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777 jetliners. Additionally, the Wichita Development & Modification Center, which is part of Integrated Defense Systems, participates in re-engining and modifications of the KC-135 tanker and upgrades to the B-52 bomber. The Center also has won contracts with Italy and Japan to modify 767 aircraft into refueling tankers.

Goodrich Corporation

According to Marshall Larsen, Goodrich chairman, president and chief executive officer, "This award marks a defining moment for Goodrich's presence on the 7E7. Of all the content we expect to provide from nose to tail on the aircraft, the nacelle system is the most significant."

Goodrich Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a leading global supplier of systems and services to the aerospace and defense industry. Serving a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities, Goodrich is one of the largest aerospace companies in the world.