Seattle, Nov 21: Boeing Co. will base design and development work for its proposed new 7e7 jetliner at its massive Everett Manufacturing Complex, but japanese suppliers will build more than a third of the aircraft, including major wing components, the company said. Boeing confirmed earlier reports yesterday that three Japanese companies will play a significantly larger role in manufacturing the fuel-efficient jet than in earlier Boeing models and will handle the complicated wing production, previously done almost entirely in-house.

The Japanese companies will provide about 35 percent of the 7e7. Currently, Boeing's Japanese partners build about 21 per cent of the Boeing 777 airframe, and 15 per cent of the 767. Chicago-based Boeing has said the new midsize fuel-efficient airplane will be assembled in the united states, but has not announced where. Boeing currently builds three widebody jet models at its Everett factory.

The 7e7 program headquarters and development and design-integration centre will be in Everett, Boeing said.

Boeing, through its divisions in Frederickson, Washington; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Wichita, Kansas; and other locations, also will manufacture about 35 percent of the aircraft, including the vertical fin, flight deck and forward fuselage.
Two other suppliers, Alenia Aeronautica of Italy and Vought Aircraft Industries of Dallas, will build 26 percent of the plane's body.

Bureau Report