Boeing Co. has been flying high, landing a record number of orders for its jets this year. But that means that Boeing will also have to meet a delivery schedule that is twice as fast as any it has ever dealt with. "The challenge is to deliver these airplanes on schedule as promised," says Ron Woodward, president of Boeing Commercial Airplane Group.
As part of its plan, some workers currently employed in 767 aircraft production will move within Boeing's Everett, Wash., facility to the 747 line. The company is also considering bringing in new resources, adjusting internal work schedules, and changing manufacturing processes to reduce leadtimes, cut waste, and reduce costs.
"Our employees and our suppliers have been working extremely hard to meet these increased rates and tough schedules," says Bob Dryden, executive vice president of airplane production for Boeing Commercial Airplane Group.
