Boeing completes 7E7 Dreamliner Primary Partner Selections

Boeing has completed 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.

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).

Boeing has said it expects to launch the new airplane this year.

Other news about the 7E7 Dreamliner.