Boeing Begins Major Assembly of New 787 Plane

Boeing Co. said Friday it started production on its new 787 commercial passenger plane, dubbed the "Dreamliner."

The plane, first being assembled at Boeing's Handa, Japan factory, uses 20 percent less fuel than similarly sized planes, emits fewer emissions and is designed for quieter takeoffs and landings.

After assembly in Japan, the plane will be flown to Charleston, South Carolina, for further assembly and then onto to Everett, Washington. Boeing said 28 airlines have already logged 403 orders for the plane, with those commitments worth more than $55 billion (euro43.3 billion). The Dreamliner is scheduled for delivery beginning in 2008.

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