Boeing is set to begin development of its 787-9 jet in the coming months, and the company is projecting an easier time with the 787-9 based on its experiences with the 787-8. Production on the 787-8 is now coming up to speed after many delays put the jet-maker behind schedule, and the company remains cautiously optimistic about the future of the 787-9. "From a production standpoint, all the major structural pieces are in initial build. In a lot of cases, we're early. It's a significantly different spot we're in than we were with the -8," said Mike Sinnett, Boeing vice president and chief project engineer for the 787.