I reread my post here and it occurs to me that it's not really a useful addition to the conversation beyond being a simple declaration, so I'll try to elaborate within the limits that I can. The 787 is comprised of mostly composite materials. On other airframes, a majority is aluminum which can easily be machined in a predictable, repeatable, and automated way. Take a block of aluminum, stick it in a 5-axis router, load a program, and eventually you'll have a perfectly machined aluminum widget that can be done over and over again with no variances. Composite materials require a little more of a human touch, particularly in detail part fabrication. That's where the potential for error lies.

Thanks for that clarification. I wasn't aware that the composite would not be able to be machined using CAD/CAM.

The Germans managed it as far back as WW2 with the bf109, Me262 etc, and that was under pretty much round-the-clock Allied bombing where trains carrying the parts dared not venture out in daylight.Al

So Boeing is best of to transfer the parts during the night.. Sorry, couldnt resist...

If memory serves, the 787 was commissioned under then CEO Phil Condit, the same guy that refused to counter Airbus with an aircraft in size simular to the A380 despite the fact that the 747 was twice as old as Airbus (as a company) itself. I'm not surprise the guy relinquished control and manufacturing of the 787 to other nations and companies. I get a sense that the guy was into self-humilation. If memory serves, the (now) disgraced CEO was also involved in some sort of extramarital affair and kept an love nest near or at his office. I'd guess that his mistress specialized in humiliation too. The point is, the once mightly Boeing under Condit "gave up the store" - like he had no sense of pride or the need to dominate. This is why Boeing is now the #2 aircraft manufacturer in the world.

If memory serves, the 787 was commissioned under then CEO Phil Condit, the same guy that refused to counter Airbus with an aircraft in size simular to the A380 despite the fact that the 747 was twice as old as Airbus (as a company) itself. I'm not surprise the guy relinquished control and manufacturing of the 787 to other nations and companies. I get a sense that the guy was into self-humilation. If memory serves, the (now) disgraced CEO was also involved in some sort of extramarital affair and kept an love nest near or at his office. I'd guess that his mistress specialized in humiliation too. The point is, the once mightly Boeing under Condit "gave up the store" - like he had no sense of pride or the need to dominate. This is why Boeing is now the #2 aircraft manufacturer in the world.

Now I know how Microsoft developers must feel when they read hilariously wild speculation from the uninformed but are forbidden by policy to get involved.

[boeing] ... CEO was also involved in some sort of extramarital affair and kept an love nest near or at his office.

Condit isn't the only one. only one or two CEO's in the last 20-25 years haven't had a 'love nest' involving a secretary.--