KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Boeing on Thursday announced that it has chosen its North Charleston facility in South Carolina as the location for a second assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner programme.

Boeing evaluated criterias that were designed to find the final assembly location within the company that would best support the 787 business plan as the programme increased production rates.

In addition to serving as a location for final assembly of 787 Dreamliners, the facility would also have the capability to support the testing and delivery of the airplanes.

"Establishing a second 787 assembly line in Charleston will expand our production capability to meet the market demand for the airplane," said Jim Albaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes in a statement from Seattle.

He said the decision allowed Boeing to continue building on the synergies established in South Carolina with Boeing Charleston and Global Aeronautica.

Albaugh added the move would strengthen the company's competitiveness and sustainability and help it grow for the long term.

Boeing Charleston performs fabrication, assembly and systems installation for the 787 fuselage sections. Across the street, Global Aeronautica, which is 50 per cent owned by Boeing, is responsible for joining and integrating 787 fuselage sections from other structural partners.

Until the second 787 assembly line is brought on line in North Charleston, Boeing will establish transitional surge capability at its Everett, Wash., location to ensure the successful introduction of the 787-9, the first derivative model of the 787.

When the second line in Charleston is up and operating, the surge capability in Everett will be phased out.

"We're taking prudent steps to protect the interest of our customers as we introduce the 787-9 and ramp up overall production to 10 twin-aisle 787 jets per month.

"While we welcome the development of this expanded capability at Boeing Charleston, the Puget Sound region is the headquarters of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said Albaugh.

He added that Everett would continue to design and produce airplanes, including the 787 and that there was tremendous opportunity for its current and future products.

Albaugh emphasised that Boeing remained committed to Puget Sound.

Approximately 55 airlines have ordered 840 of the 787 jets since the programme was launched in 2003.

The 787 family of airplanes will carry 200 to 250 passengers on flights up to 15,200 kilometres.

The 787 will be more efficient, quieter and have lower emissions than other airplanes while offering passengers greater comfort and the convenience of direct, non-stop flights between more cities around the world.

"The 787 will provide airlines with unprecedented operating economics and efficiencies.

"It also will take passengers where they want to go, when they want to go, and do it more comfortably and affordably than ever before," Albaugh said, adding that the jet would allow Boeing to continue to set the standard for commercial aviation in the second century of flight.

-- BERNAMA