Boeing’s industrial footprint spans major Asia-Pacific economies and is expanding to meet increases in the company’s commercial production.
More than 65 Japanese companies support Boeing programmes, accounting for more than 40% – about 22,000 direct and indirect jobs – of Japan’s aerospace employment. Japan builds 35% of the 787 Dreamliner airframe and more than 20% of the 777. Boeing collaborates with Japanese industry and universities to develop advanced manufacturing technologies and other innovations that will benefit Japan’s current and future workforce.
Chinese companies supply every Boeing commercial programme, from the vertical fin and horizontal stabiliser for Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 and 747-8 to the rudder, wing-to-body fairing panels and other components for the 787. Meanwhile, the aircraft maker has trained more than 50,000 pilots, technicians, factory workers and other professionals in China’s fast-growing aviation industry.
The US manufacturer continues to expand its South-east Asia supply chain. In 2013, Boeing and Hexcel Corporation expanded their joint venture Aerospace Composites Malaysia (ACM) by 40%. ACM, which makes flight surfaces for Boeing commercial aircraft, is expected to grow its workforce beyond the current 950 employees.
Boeing has a global logistics hub in Singapore for spares distribution, and supply chain management and technical support teams throughout South-east Asia. The plane maker also partners with Indonesia on commercial aviation safety, efficiency and industry development.