Boeing plans to expand its 787 Dreamliner assembly operations in North Charleston, S.C., and has committed $1 billion for infrastructure upgrades there to support new production targets. It noted that the expansion would result in 500 new jobs over five years.
The expansion will be complete in 2027, according to the aircraft builder. Boeing aims to complete 10 new aircraft per month, though it did not indicate when it might reach that goal.
The announcement was made jointly by Boeing and the South Carolina commercial development agency, though it was not immediately clear what incentives the state may make available to subsidize the project.
“Since the creation of Boeing South Carolina in 2009, we’ve marked many important milestones – including consolidating 787 Dreamliner production to South Carolina,” stated Scott Stocker, Boeing vice president and 787 program general manager. “This decision reflects Boeing’s commitment to the workforce, the 787 program and the community.”
The Dreamliner is a long-range aircraft with carrying capacity for 210 to 330 passengers and developed to achieve greater fuel-efficiency for long-range service (7,565 nautical miles / 14,010km.) Boeing claims that the 787 consumes 25% less fuel and creates 25% fewer emissions than the aircraft they replace.
Currently, Boeing has a total order backlog of 785 Dreamliners – 34 787-8s, 602 787-9s, and 149 787-10s.
For 2024 year-to-date, Boeing has delivered 42 Dreamliners.
Boeing established the South Carolina operation 15 years ago and consolidated the Dreamliner program there in 2022. It has over 7,800 employees at three locations in the state, though only two sites are included in the expansion plans.
