Boeing is expanding its 787-9 landing gear overhaul program to meet increasing maintenance demands as its fleet ages and grows. The company recently achieved a milestone with its 100th 787-8 gear exchange and is now focusing on the 787-9 aircraft, which predominantly fall into the 10-12 year age range ideal for such overhauls. By partnering with about 10 MRO providers globally, Boeing aims to support the expected rise in servicing requirements.
William Ampofo, Boeing's SVP of parts and supply chain, highlighted the significance of these developments, noting that the company expects activity to grow substantially. Currently, roughly half of the fleet—comprising 730 aircraft—is over eight years old, with a substantial portion in China, North America, and Europe. Boeing’s strategic investment in spare parts and regional capacity supports this expansion.
The company’s planned growth in the support infrastructure is driven by the need to serve aging aircraft efficiently. Backed by a backlog of around 480 aircraft from 34 airlines, Boeing’s initiative aims to ensure fleet readiness and operational continuity. This expansion demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to maintaining its reputation in the market for reliable aircraft maintenance solutions.
