As the 787 Dreamliner made its maiden flight today, employees of Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. are reflecting on the company's contributions to this historic aircraft.

"It's not often that the word 'innovation' can be used with accuracy, but the 787 helps define that word. The aircraft is truly unique—in design, materials, and technology—and the Vought team has been an integral part of this aviation leap forward," said Vought President and Chief Executive Officer Elmer Doty in an internal note to Vought employees. "You can be proud of your role in this first flight milestone, whether you were part of the former 787 division team, or part of the overall company support to the program from throughout Vought."

Vought made significant technical contributions to the 787 by building the first 19 aft fuselage sections for the Dreamliner program. In July, Vought sold its 787 composite fuselage operations in South Carolina to a subsidiary of The Boeing Company. Vought continues to support the 787 program today through engineering support and manufacturing of various detail components.

"We congratulate Boeing on the successful first flight of the 787 for a job well done, and want to particularly highlight the role of our former employees in South Carolina," said Doty. "It is gratifying for us to know that we helped play a role in establishing the aerospace industry in the Lowcountry."

Vought has work share on every Boeing jetliner currently in production:

- 737: outboard wing flaps

- 747: fuselage sections, doors and the tail section

- 767: center wing box, aft body section, horizontal stabilizer, doors and nacelle components

- 777: outboard and inboard wing flaps, spoilers and ailerons

- 787: longerons, stringers, shear ties, frame assemblies and engineering services