Boeing [NYSE:BA] has selected Latecoere of Toulouse, France, to provide the passenger doors for its all-new 7E7 Dreamliner airplane. This marks the first time that Boeing has selected a French provider for major airframe structure.

Latecoere joins a growing list of French partners on the 7E7 team. Dassault Systemes is providing the suite of software tools used to develop, manufacture and support the 7E7 for its lifetime. In addition, Snecma Group companies Messier-Dowty, Messier-Bugatti and Labinal are providing main and nose landing gear, wheels and electric braking systems, and wiring respectively. Thales has been selected to provide the electrical power conversion system and the integrated standby flight displays.

"Latecoere has been helping us develop 7E7 technologies for nearly a year," said Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 7E7 program. "The company brings great enthusiasm and knowledge to the team with a specialized skill in providing doors."

"This selection is an extraordinary opportunity for Latecoere, the French aviation pioneer, to enter a new era spanning the next 20 to 30 years with a major aircraft manufacturer like Boeing," said Francois Bertrand, chief executive officer of Latecoere. "Latecoere looks forward to a role in developing a mutually beneficial business relationship on this innovative aircraft program,"

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7E7 Dreamliner

Launched in April 2004, the fuel-efficient 7E7 is a family of three airplanes designed to serve on routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles (6,500 and 15,700 kilometers). The Dreamliner will provide passengers with a better flying experience, including an improved cabin environment with more room and more conveniences.

Latecoere

Founded in 1917, Latecoere, specializes in design and production of fuselage structure, doors and wiring systems for commercial and military aircraft.