Boeing has resumed production of the 787 jetliner.

The Machinists' strike late last year had postponed the production which resumed on Friday. Workers accomplished joining the fuselage and wings for the fifth 787 on Thursday.

The hot-selling aircraft is popular for fuel efficiency with carbon composite parts. The plane, along with five other 787s, will be used for testing.

The fifth airplane is the first to be powered with General Electric engines. The earlier versions used Rolls-Royce engines. The first flight of the 787 model is scheduled for the second quarter of this year.

Jack Jones, vice president of 787 Final Assembly and Change Incorporation, stated that resumption of work on the airplane indicates that Boeing has returned to a "steady production rhythm."

 At this time 30 787s are in production line up. Boeing has orders for 895 of the planes from 58 airlines.