Boeing begins assembly of 1,000th 767

Boeing (NYSE: BA) has begun assembly of the 1,000th 767 airplane at the factory in Everett, Wash. Mechanics took the first step in major assembly by loading the wing spar into the assembly tool. The spar is the internal support structure that runs through the full length of the wing.

"This is an important milestone for the 767, which has continued to evolve and improve since entering service nearly 30 years ago," said Kim Pastega, vice president and general manager of the 767 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 767 is a high-performing twin-aisle airplane that delivers nearly 99 percent dispatch reliability every day for more than 90 operators around the world."

The 1,000th airplane, a 767-300ER (extended range) passenger model, is scheduled for delivery in February 2011 to long-time customer ANA (All Nippon Airways). ANA ordered its first 767 in 1979 and has taken delivery of 89 767s to date.

Boeing will use the 767 as the platform for its NewGen Tanker if it wins the U.S. Air Force KC-X Tanker competition. Contract award currently is scheduled for mid-November.

The Boeing 767 family is a family of clean, quiet, fuel-efficient airplanes that provide maximum market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. The Boeing 767 family includes three passenger models -- the 767-200ER, 767-300ER and 767-400ER -- and a medium-widebody freighter, which is based on the 767-300ER fuselage.