Boeing firms 787-9 design

The 787-9 will seat between 250 and 290 passengers and will have a range of 8000-8500nm. (Boeing)

Boeing has finalised the firm configuration of the stretched 787-9, which is expected to make its first delivery in late 2013.

“Firm configuration means the airplane’s structural, propulsion and systems architectures are defined and not changing,” said Mark Jenks, vice president of 787-9 development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Boeing says it has completed the trade studies required to finalise the aircraft’s overall capability and basic design, allowing it and its suppliers to begin detailed design of parts, assemblies and other systems.

Bigger than the 787-8, the -9 will seat between 250 and 290 passengers and will have a range of 8000-8500nm. Despite the stretched fuselage, the -9 will retain the same wing as the -8 model.

“We have been working closely with our customers for years to reach this milestone,” said Jenks. “We are excited about the performance and capability this airplane will offer our customers.”

Air New Zealand will be the first carrier to introduce the 787-9 in late 2013, while Jetstar is also understood to have secured early delivery positions for the aircraft, which will replace the A330-200s it uses on long haul services.