'Theres a heaven/earth difference between the manufacturing ethos between the A380 and 787.'
I take on board that the actual process might be 'revolutionary'
for the 787, but they both outsource to other countries which
is not dissimilar (albeit over continents for the 787).
Because of the untried special manufacturing of the 787, Boeings
schedule was always - in my opinion - unrealistic.
The strike has come at a crucial time for the 787 and damages
the project even further.But I read that the action is not solely
about T+C's its about Boeing wanting to outsource even more
work which is bound to upset certain workers.
I remember our American cousins howling when the A380 was
delayed - people in glass.....
As too the remark about lightning and the FAA:Authorities can
only set a level of safety to a known risk - the 787 is revolutionary
as you say - so like the Comet years ago at the beginning of the
jet age, something unexpected is always possible no-matter what
you do.Remember the DC10 door problem as well.
I for one will welcome the entry into service of the 787 - whenever
that is.
MM