Global Fastener News

Aerospace Fastener Shortage Slows Boeing 787 Launch

Jason Sandefur

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Editor’s Note: Articles in Media Spotlight are excerpts from publications or broadcasts that show the industry what the public is reading or hearing about fasteners and fastener companies.

Boeing has already sold 500 of its new 787 “Dreamliner” jet, but production of the aircraft, responsible for “the most successful launch of an aircraft in commercial aviation history,” has been slowed by a worldwide shortage of aerospace fasteners, reports The Australian.
Mike Bair, the man in charge of the 787 for Boeing, said supply problems related to fasteners and wiring are an ongoing challenge.
“The fastener industry is stretched tighter than a rubber band because every airplane program is at their peak rate or headed toward their peak rate,” Bair said. “So, you know, we’re feeding the production system hand to mouth with both, but again, it’s not something that we haven’t seen in the past. It’s just something you have to manage your way through.”
Overall, Bair is pleased with progress on the 787. He said most of the “frenzy” surrounding the buildup to flight testing the 787 is focused on procuring enough fasteners.
“If you’ve got any on you, we will take them,” Bair quipped. �2007 FastenerNews.com