Aeronautics, Space and Defence

April 2004

Boeing Co. will boost ties with Japanese suppliers. Boeing will strengthen its partnership with Japanese suppliers, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., in manufacturing its next-generation aircraft Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner. MHI will be responsible for the manufacturing of the wings of the Boeing 7E7, while Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Fuji Heavy Industries will work on the wing boxes and sections of the fuselage. Wings which are being made in Japan contain fuel tanks, all the connections for the engines, fuselage and steering control, among many other things. About its competition with European aircraft maker Airbus, Boeing is less concerned about market share than profitability. (April 3, the Daily Yomiuri)