Boeing begins assembly of biggest Dreamliner 

The latest major milestone in the development of the newest member of the fuel-efficient 787 family saw Boeing partner Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. begin installing the circular frames into the mid-forward section of the fuselage.

Kawasaki installing circular frames into the fuselage "Beginning major assembly early underscores the commitment, discipline and performance of the entire Boeing and partner team worldwide," said Ken Sanger, vice president of 787 Airplane Development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are taking all the right steps to ensure we integrate the 787-10 into the production system smoothly."

Boeing 787-10 - rendering A “straightforward stretch” of the 787-9, which entered service in 2014, the 787-10 is designed for both superior efficiency and maximum commonality, Boeing said in a press release. Ninety-five percent of the design and build is identical to the 787-9, thus “reducing complexity, cost and risk" across the entire production system. The 787-10 will undergo final assembly at Boeing South Carolina in North Charleston and deliveries will begin in 2018. Boeing currently have 153 orders from nine leading world-wide customers for the 787-10.