The implications of Boeing's decisions on Puget Sound

The Boeing Company, founded in 1916 by Bill Boeing, has roots in Northwest that are etched deeper than the engineering behind the ailerons. Because Boeing defines modern aeronautical development in the area, any news surrounding the company is closely monitored.

Terrorist attacks, SARS and a lagging economy have hurt Boeing and the entire airline industry, forcing many companies to downsize. Since Sept. 11, 2001, there have been approximately 35,000 Boeing employees laid off; 17,727 of those layoffs have taken place in Washington state. Additionally, Boeing has not rehired the 4,000 employees who have left due to attrition.

To make matters worse for the Northwest region, this year Boeing moved its corporate headquarters from Everett to Chicago.

Washington and 21 other states turned in proposals last Friday, bidding to secure Boeing's favor for the building of the 7E7 Dreamliner. The plane is revolutionary from previous Boeing structures, using advanced composite materials for 80 percent of its body. The mainframe will be constructed out of composite materials made from graphite, a stable form of carbon, combined with a toughened epoxy resin. The wings will also include TinGr composites -- a combination of titanium and graphite. Titanium is a strong metal known for its lightness and long-lasting stability. Production of the Dreamliner will employ somewhere between 800 and 1,200 people.

"Composites offer us a variety of advantages including better durability, reduced maintenance requirements and increased potential for future developments," said Mike Bair, senior vice president of the 7E7 Program for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We believe this choice will help position Boeing to take advantage of the most modern materials technologies as we enter the second century of flight."

While Boeing has been able to negotiate what building conditions it wants and Washington state has put together a $3 million tax-break package as an incentive to build the Dreamliner here, even perfect circumstances don't ensure sales.

Boeing has recently taken big blows to its fiercest competitor, Airbus. The Paris Air Show, taking place now, is a showcase for aircraft design and a green for business deals. Boeing has been playing under par this year. Airbus is going home with 59 firm new orders, bringing its annual total to 215. Boeing is coming home with no new firm orders, bringing its annual total to 37.