Dreamliner Deliveries Poised to Boost Charleston’s Aerospace Leadership

Charleston, SC – The Lowcountry’s critical role in global aerospace manufacturing is set to receive a significant boost as Boeing prepares to begin delivering improved 787 Dreamliners in the first half of this year. This milestone underscores not only the innovation inherent in American manufacturing but also the enduring economic vitality fueled by strategic investments and a skilled local workforce in our region. These advanced aircraft, assembled right here in North Charleston, promise extended flight capabilities and greater capacity for airlines worldwide, reflecting ongoing advancements in entrepreneurial engineering.

Boeing’s continued commitment to its South Carolina operations exemplifies how large-scale private investment, coupled with a supportive business environment, can drive substantial economic growth and opportunity. The anticipated increase in deliveries highlights the productivity and dedication of the thousands of individuals contributing to the 787 Dreamliner program, a testament to personal achievement and the collective ambition of our community. This trajectory of growth is a clear indicator of the positive effects of fostering an environment where innovation can truly take flight, benefiting the Charleston County economy and creating pathways for South Carolina entrepreneurs.

Charleston at the Forefront of Aerospace Innovation

The Boeing South Carolina facility in North Charleston stands as the sole final assembly and delivery point for all 787 Dreamliners since February 2021, a pivotal consolidation that speaks volumes about the region’s capabilities. This site is responsible for producing the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 models, showcasing the diverse manufacturing expertise present in the Lowcountry. The journey began with the rollout of the first South Carolina-built 787 on April 27, 2012, which was subsequently delivered to Air India on October 5, 2012, marking the dawn of a new era for commercial airplane production in the state.

Strategic Investment and Job Creation in the Lowcountry

In a significant move reinforcing its long-term presence, Boeing initiated a $1 billion expansion and upgrade project for its two 787 Dreamliner campuses in North Charleston, South Carolina, in November 2025. This substantial investment is projected to create over 1,000 new jobs over the next five years, further bolstering employment opportunities in Charleston County. Some reports indicate this expansion will add 500 new jobs within the same timeframe, demonstrating a robust commitment to local employment. Such growth provides a fertile ground for Charleston small businesses and supporting industries to thrive, illustrating the multiplier effect of major corporate ventures within a community.

The expansion is specifically designed to enhance 787 Dreamliner production capabilities, with a goal to reach a rate of 10 airplanes per month by 2026. Looking further ahead, the facility is anticipated to be capable of producing between 14 to 16 Boeing 787s monthly, with plans for a second 787 assembly site in North Charleston by 2028 to potentially double production to 20 jets monthly. This strategic scaling up directly translates into more opportunities for South Carolina entrepreneurs and a stronger overall Lowcountry economic growth.

The Economic Ripple Effect in South Carolina

The presence of Boeing’s operations has had a profound impact on South Carolina’s aerospace sector, fostering significant growth in employment, wages, and the number of related establishments. Research indicates that the state’s aerospace industry gained an estimated 6,000 jobs following the plant’s opening, exceeding the initial 3,800 jobs promised by Boeing. Furthermore, for every job created at the Boeing plant, an additional 2.6 jobs were generated within the Charleston Metro Area in the five years subsequent to its establishment, highlighting the powerful local multiplier effect of such a manufacturing anchor. Currently, Boeing employs over 7,800 individuals across its facilities in the region, reflecting the depth of its contribution to the local economy.

Innovation Driving Global Aviation

The improved 787 Dreamliners, including the 787-9 and 787-10 variants, are engineered to allow for longer flights and greater passenger or cargo capacity for airlines. These advancements are crucial for airlines seeking to optimize their fleets and expand their networks efficiently. The 787-10, in particular, stands out for its 25% better fuel efficiency per seat, increased capacity, and enhanced cargo capabilities when compared to the prior generation of widebody aircraft it is designed to replace. Notably, the 787-10 is the longest variant of the Dreamliner and is exclusively assembled at the North Charleston facility.

Beyond operational efficiency, the Dreamliner series prioritizes passenger comfort with innovations such as a cabin pressurized to a lower equivalent altitude of 6,000 feet, which helps reduce fatigue, alongside higher humidity levels, noise reduction technologies, larger dimmable windows, and customizable LED lighting designed to mitigate jet lag. The 787’s superior fuel efficiency, using 20–25% less fuel than older aircraft, directly translates to reduced operating costs for airlines and lower CO2 emissions, aligning with modern environmental considerations. This combination of economic benefits and passenger experience has seen the 787 carry over a billion passengers and operate more than five million flights globally.

A Look at Boeing’s Broader Economic Landscape

Nationwide, Boeing expects increased deliveries for both its 737 and 787 jets next year. The company reported 88 787 deliveries in 2025 and aims to deliver up to 120 new 787s in 2026, with a long-term goal of 168 to 192 new 787 deliveries annually. Boeing’s shares have shown resilience, rising nearly 5% so far this year. The company also reported a revenue beat in Q3 2025 and an improving cash flow burn rate, with commercial airplanes division revenue more than doubling in Q4 2025 compared to the previous year. Projections for 2026 anticipate a free cash flow of $1 billion to $3 billion. While Boeing has historically faced competition from Airbus and is actively managing supply chain constraints and quality control issues, its focused investments in manufacturing and product enhancements signify a dedication to overcoming challenges and meeting global demand.

The renewed focus on Dreamliner deliveries from North Charleston stands as a powerful symbol of South Carolina’s position in the global aerospace industry. It highlights the ingenuity of our local workforce and the positive outcomes when private enterprise thrives in a supportive economic climate. As these advanced aircraft take to the skies, they carry with them the spirit of innovation and the promise of continued prosperity for the Lowcountry. Supporting the industries and businesses that contribute to such large-scale endeavors ensures that Charleston SC business and the broader Charleston County economy continue to experience robust growth and provide ample opportunities for South Carolina entrepreneurs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner Deliveries

When does Boeing expect to begin delivering improved 787 Dreamliners?

Boeing expects to begin delivering improved 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners to airlines in the first half of this year (2026).

Where is the final assembly point for all 787 Dreamliners?

Since February 2021, the Boeing South Carolina facility in North Charleston has served as the sole final assembly and delivery point for all 787 Dreamliners.

What are the benefits of the improved 787 Dreamliners?

The improved 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners are designed to enable longer flights or greater capacity for airlines. The 787-10, in particular, offers 25% better fuel efficiency per seat, increased capacity, and enhanced cargo capabilities compared to previous generation widebody aircraft it replaces. Additionally, the Dreamliner family is known for its fuel efficiency, consuming 20–25% less fuel than older aircraft, resulting in lower operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions.

How many jobs has Boeing’s North Charleston plant contributed to South Carolina’s aerospace sector?

The Boeing plant in North Charleston has had a substantial impact on South Carolina’s aerospace sector, contributing to an estimated 6,000 new jobs within the industry since its opening.

What is Boeing’s investment in its North Charleston facility?

In November 2025, Boeing broke ground on a $1 billion expansion and upgrade project for its 787 Dreamliner campuses in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Key Features of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner