767 line to become smaller, faster, leaner

An interesting article regarding the transformation of Boeing's 767 production line at Everett, WA to a smaller but more efficient one similar to the 777 line.  The change is designed to accomplish two goals: 1.) impress officials from the U.S. Air Force as Boeing vies to secure the Tanker Replacement contract (for which the 767 will be the main airframe), and 2.) free up space for the 787 "surge line," a temporary measure to allow 787 production to continue to run smoothly until the 2nd 787 line in Charleston, South Carolina is fully operational.  Currently, a 767 rolls out the factory doors to the tune of 1 a month, but soon that rate will be boosted to 3 aircraft every two months.  By June 2011, the line will be humming at a rate of 2 aircraft per month.  With 57 commercial 767's still waiting to be delivered, the 767 line is slowly reaching the end of its road, but if Boeing gets the Tanker, then the line will be rejuvenated for many more years to come.

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