Final assembly of the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner has started, with the first aircraft due to fly in 2017.

The first 787-10 will cycle through Boeing South Carolina’s Final Assembly facility as all major sections are joined, the interior and exterior components completed, power turned on and production tests begin.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president and general manager 787 Airplane Development, Ken Sanger says: “This is the result of years of preparation and solid performance by our Boeing teammates and supplier partners. This achievement is another example that demonstrates Boeing’s ability to develop great airplanes in a disciplined fashion in order to meet our customer commitments.”

Boeing has received 154 orders from nine customers with first deliveries scheduled for 2018. The 787-10 retains 95 per cent of commonality with the 787-9, with more seats and cargo capacity, as well as fuel efficiency and operating economics.