Most of us have memories of what it felt like to go to the hospital to pick up our partner and new-borne baby. It is something super special and no matter how many times it happens, it feels each time like it was the first time. However, very few of us have had the pleasure to be on a team sent to accept and fly home a brand new aircraft. Although you pick up aircraft fully grown, the feeling is akin to picking up a new baby.
If you ever happen to be in Toulouse in France or Seattle in the US, do make sure you reserve some time to visit the Airbus or Boeing manufacturing facility there. They both offer tours and it is well worth the time.
Of course the gestation of large aircraft these days is very different from what it used to be. When I visited McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach, California several decades ago, you could actually follow the process from aluminum sheets to fully built DC-9s and the transformation was amazing.
These days, especially for aircraft like the Boeing 787 and the upcoming Airbus 350, fuselage sections, the wing, empennage come from subcontractors in big pieces that are then assembled by Boeing and Airbus. But the assembly process remains an impressive operation nevertheless.
What has not changed is the act of delivery. A spanking new aircraft, shiny and that “”new car” smell permeating the cabin, she is towed to the delivery center, ready for adventure.
Both Airbus and Boeing are planning substantial increases in their monthly output rate in the coming years and this indicates clearly that the delivery centers will be busier than ever.
Starting in 2013, Boeing will be rolling out 8.3 777s per month and by the end of the year, seven 787s! The 747-8 and 767 will follow at a more modest rate of two per month.
To cater for this delivery demand Boeing is building a new enhanced Everett Delivery Center (EDC). The groundbreaking ceremony early March was attended by Boeing employees, customers and local dignitaries.
“Our customers are demanding our products like never before,” said Jeff Klemann, vice president of the delivery center. “As we build more airplanes at faster and faster rates, we also need a world-class facility to conduct our delivery operations. The new Everett Delivery Center will be more than just a building; it’s an investment in our customers, our local community, our employees and Boeing’s future.”
The new facility will feature three times the office, conference and delivery operations space as the current EDC. The design includes a customer complex and delivery lounge to enhance the customer experience, as more than 150 customer representatives work on-site in the EDC.
“Today’s a day for celebration,” said Klemann at the groundbreaking ceremony “We’ve delivered over 3,500 airplanes from our old center, and it served us well. Today’s event leading to next year’s delivery center opening ensures that Everett will be delivering wide-body aircraft for decades to come.”
The new EDC is expected to open for operation in early 2013. Plans are in place to ensure seamless deliveries during the interim period.
The EDC, central to Boeing’s Everett site operations, houses major functions and personnel related to the delivery of its 747, 767, 777 and 787 commercial airplanes.
A delivery room par excellence…
(Source Boeing)
