Dreamliner Update

Back in 2007, I wrote a couple posts on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In the first, I wrote about how the plane was an excellent example of globalization and interdependence in the aerospace and technology. In the second, I wrote about how production had run into some snags.

Well, the term "snags" doesn't begin to describe the problems Boeing has with this amazing piece of machinery. The plane is still not ready for delivery, and, because of the economic downturn, the company is losing orders. The plane itself is still an amazing piece of technology and I still think it makes an interesting example of the way modern technology is an amalgam of the skills and resources in various countries.

Today, there was an interesting story on Portfolio.com (HT Arts &Letters Daily), that brings the story up-to-date, and provides some superb graphics to illustrate the both the original idea and the problem it presents for Boeing. One graphic in particular (link at end of fifth paragraph) not only shows the origin of various components, but provides information if on how certain components impact production.

I look forward to your comments.

This post references the following Keystone Economic Principles:
1. We all make choices.
3. All choices have consequences.
and
6. Do what you do best, trade for the rest.