Boeing has rolled out the first customer 787-10 Dreamliner at its North Charleston final assembly facility. The roll-out precedes final painting before intensive tests are carried out on the aircraft’s key systems ahead of delivery to launch operator Singapore Airlines (SIA).
This process will see the 787-10 follow the pre-delivery route for all Boeing airliners, which involves tests on the auxiliary power unit, fuel system, plumbing, pumps, valves, tanks and hardware. The Rolls- Royce Trent 1000 TEN engines will be run before assessments of the tyres and fluids. In-flight entertainment system, ground taxiing and rejected take-off tests will precede the first ‘B1’ test flight involving a Boeing-only crew. Further test flights involving the customer will then take place before delivery. Boeing says the 787-10 will be handed over to SIA early next year. Singapore Airlines has 30 787-10s on firm order and has signed a letter of intent to purchase 19 more.
Mark Broadbent
