Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Structure Parts from Around the Globe
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the most advanced commercial aircraft in the world, known for its fuel efficiency, lightweight design, and cutting-edge technology.
Unlike traditional aircraft manufacturing, where most parts are produced in one country, the Boeing 787 is built using a global supply chain, with components sourced from multiple countries across different continents.
This article explores the key structural components of the Boeing 787 and where they come from, highlighting the international collaboration that makes the Dreamliner a true global aircraft.
A Global Supply Chain: Key Structural Parts of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
1. Fuselage Sections
- Japan (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Fuji Heavy Industries)
- Italy (Leonardo S.p.A.)
- USA (Boeing South Carolina, Spirit AeroSystems)
The fuselage of the Boeing 787 is primarily constructed using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), making it lighter and more fuel-efficient.
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) produces the forward fuselage section, which houses the cockpit.
- Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy) manufactures the center fuselage section.
- Boeing South Carolina and Spirit AeroSystems (USA) contribute additional fuselage sections.
2. Wings
- Japan (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Subaru Corporation)
The Boeing 787’s wings are one of its most impressive features, designed for improved aerodynamics and efficiency.
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is responsible for manufacturing the wing box.
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries produces the fixed trailing edge of the wings.
- Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries) manufactures the center wing box, a critical part of the aircraft’s structure.
The wings are longer and more flexible than traditional aircraft wings, allowing for better fuel economy and smoother flights.
3. Vertical and Horizontal Stabilizers (Tail Section)
- Italy (Leonardo S.p.A.)
- USA (Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, Triumph Aerostructures)
The vertical and horizontal stabilizers help maintain the aircraft’s stability during flight.
- Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy) manufactures the horizontal stabilizers at its facility in Foggia.
- Boeing (USA) and Triumph Aerostructures build the vertical stabilizer, ensuring high durability and performance.
4. Landing Gear and Systems
- France (Safran Landing Systems, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty)
- Canada (Heroux-Devtek, UTC Aerospace Systems)
- United Kingdom (Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace)
The Boeing 787’s landing gear system is developed by multiple international suppliers:
- Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (France) provides the main landing gear.
- Heroux-Devtek (Canada) contributes to the nose landing gear.
- GKN Aerospace (UK) provides key structural parts for the landing system.
These suppliers ensure the 787 Dreamliner can land smoothly and withstand heavy loads.
5. Engines and Power Systems
- United States (General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems)
- United Kingdom (Rolls-Royce)
The Boeing 787 offers two engine options:
- General Electric GEnx (USA) – A next-generation jet engine offering fuel efficiency and quieter operations.
- Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 (UK) – An advanced engine known for its high performance and reliability.
Other key systems, such as electrical power distribution, are supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems (USA).
Why Boeing Uses a Global Supply Chain for the 787 Dreamliner
The Boeing 787’s global supply chain allows Boeing to:
- Leverage expertise from specialized aerospace manufacturers worldwide.
- Reduce production costs by outsourcing parts to regions with advanced manufacturing capabilities.
- Speed up assembly by producing parts simultaneously in different countries.
This international collaboration results in a more efficient, cost-effective, and innovative aircraft.
Final Assembly: Boeing’s Key Manufacturing Sites
Once all parts are manufactured worldwide, they are transported to Boeing’s final assembly lines:
- Everett, Washington (USA) – The original Boeing 787 production facility.
- Charleston, South Carolina (USA) – Handles the final assembly of the 787 Dreamliner.
Boeing uses large cargo planes, such as the Boeing 747 Dreamlifter, to transport fuselage sections and wings from global suppliers to the final assembly plants.
