Since the introduction of the first composite materials, there have been major modifications in aircraft structure. Among the most extreme examples of this evolution is the revolutionary Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Boeing unveiled the first 787 Dreamliner composite fuselage section at its Developmental Centre in Seattle on January 11, 2005. The section, made as part of the new airplane development process, proved the manufacturing techniques used for the first time on the 787.

Manufacture of the A350 XWB composite lower wing shells commenced at Illescas in Spain in August 2010.