BRIGHT ray of sunshine pierced the economic gloom with the Federal Aviation Administration's certification of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner to begin commercial service.
After lengthy production delays, the first airliner to be built primarily out of carbon-fiber plastic composite will be delivered to Japan's All Nippon Airways next month. Regular commercial service would begin Nov. 1.
As The Seattle Times' Dominic Gates has reported over the years, the 787 has been plagued by structural issues and the problems associated with assembling parts and pieces made in many locations. The plane also incorporates technical innovations the FAA cautiously tracked.
FAA clearance Friday to move ahead on a robust list of orders is great news. Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon celebrated the moment and renewed the region's commitment to support increased production via the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center located at Paine Field and similar training sites across the state.
Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson said, "The best airplanes in the world are built right here, and Boeing has just reached a major milestone for future success of this new generation of aircraft."
Boeing has 55 customers for more than 800 planes. Production of those aircraft is no small point of pride for the state. Washington's quality work force, and government and community support are all enlisted to help make the effort succeed.
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