Everett, Wash., Boeing [NYSE: BA] has begun final assembly of the first 787-9 Dreamliner. The newest member of the 787 family is in production schedule May 30 in Everett, Washington.

Mark Jenks, vice president, 787 airplane development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: "From the start, the entire 787-9 team has focused relentlessly on execution so that we fulfill the commitments to our customers.

"Integrating the 787-9 into our production system on time is another clear sign that we are well prepared and well positioned for the work ahead."

"The dedication, quality and skill of our partners are helping drive our disciplined performance."

Boeing will build the first three 787-9s on its temporary surge line in Everett to allow for integration of the 787-9 into the production system while continuing to increase production across the 787 program.

The 787-9 has the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters), the 787-9 will carry 40 more passengers an additional 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers).

The vertical stabilizer on this 787-9 reflects the new Boeing Commercial Airplanes livery, a refreshed look for the Boeing family of airplanes that started with the 747-8 and evolved with the 737 MAX. Many features of the livery on the original 787 are reflected in the new design.

First flight of the 787-9 is scheduled for the second half of 2013, with first delivery to launch customer Air New Zealand set for early 2014. 20 customers around the world have ordered 355 787-9s, accounting for 40 percent of all 787 orders.