TUCSON, Ariz., April 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE:
BA), elected and community leaders joined together today to
celebrate the permanent display of one of the original 787-8
Dreamliner flight test airplanes at the Pima Air & Space
Museum.
"Boeing has a strong presence in Arizona and is proud to share this important
achievement in aviation history with the community, our employees
and visitors," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO
Ray Conner. "The Pima Air &
Space Museum is a world-class facility and has been a great partner
throughout the years. It's the perfect location to showcase this
pioneering airplane."
This particular 787, ZA002, is the second Boeing 787-8 to be
produced. The airplane flew for the first time on Dec. 22, 2009, joining what would become a
six-airplane flight test and certification program for the 787-8.
The primary focus of ZA002 was testing systems performance.
"Aerospace is a cornerstone of Arizona's economy, creating jobs and business
opportunities across the state," said Governor Doug Ducey. "Boeing's donation of this
state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner is symbolic of Arizona's rich history and bright future in
aerospace, and a strong testament to our commitment to innovation
and industry."
The celebration at the Pima Air & Space Museum included the
participation of Arizona Gov.
Doug Ducey, U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, Boeing VP of 787 Engineering Ron
Hinderberger and museum Board Chairman Count Ferdinand von
Galen.
Coinciding with the 787 induction, the Pima Air & Space
Museum also unveiled its new 'Women in Flight' exhibit,
commemorating the achievements of female aviators over the past
century.
"This is an extremely exciting and monumental time for the
museum, the Tucson community and
Arizona in general," said
Scott Marchand, executive director,
Pima Air & Space Museum. "We are honored to be selected by
Boeing to be the custodian of such a significant historic next
generation aircraft and to be able to display it to the public from
the U.S. and around the world."
ZA002 is the second of three flight test 787-8s Boeing plans to
share with communities and future generations of employees and
airplane enthusiasts.
About the Pima Air & Space Museum
The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest aviation
museums in the world, and the largest non-government funded
aviation museum in the United
States. The museum maintains a collection of more than 300
aircraft and spacecraft from around the globe—including many rare
and one-of-a-kind—and more than 125,000 artifacts. The museum
is located at 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, Exit 267 off Interstate 10.
Contacts:
Paul Bergman
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications
+1 206-724-7292
paul.r.bergman2@boeing.com
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SOURCE Boeing