February 6, 2026

Charleston’s Aerospace Ascent: More Boeing Work Flies to the Lowcountry

Charleston, SC, February 6, 2026

Boeing is relocating more of its 787 Dreamliner engineering work to its North Charleston facility, solidifying Charleston’s position as a key aerospace hub. This move is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs and drive economic growth in the region. The $1 billion expansion will significantly boost production capabilities, indicating a robust future for both Boeing and the local economy.

Charleston’s Aerospace Ascent: More Boeing Work Flies to the Lowcountry

Charleston, SC — The Lowcountry’s reputation as a burgeoning aerospace hub continues to solidify as Boeing directs additional 787 Dreamliner engineering work to its North Charleston facility. This strategic relocation underscores the region’s increasing importance in the global aviation manufacturing landscape, highlighting themes of entrepreneurial innovation and the benefits of a dynamic business environment. As South Carolina has strategically cultivated an attractive climate for advanced manufacturing, this expansion signals continued economic momentum and fresh opportunities for local talent and businesses in the Charleston SC business community.

This latest move by Boeing, shifting remaining 787 engineering operations from Washington state, builds upon prior decisions to consolidate 787 final assembly in North Charleston. The aerospace giant’s sustained investment in the area reflects confidence in the local workforce and the state’s supportive economic ecosystem, which fosters growth and encourages private sector achievement. This trend showcases how a focus on skilled labor development and a responsive regulatory framework can lead to significant industrial expansion and sustained job creation in the Lowcountry economic growth corridor.

Charleston’s Growing Aerospace Footprint

A Strategic Shift

Boeing is in the process of transferring remaining 787 engineering work from the Puget Sound region to its North Charleston facility. This marks another significant shift, following the company’s decision five years ago to consolidate all 787 final assembly in South Carolina. The relocation of approximately 300 engineering and technical positions is part of Boeing’s broader strategy to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support increased production targets for the 787 Dreamliner. This consolidation aims to co-locate engineers with the programs they support, fostering closer collaboration and potentially accelerating development cycles.

The transition of this work is linked to Boeing’s efforts to ramp up 787 production. The company aims to increase its monthly production rate of 787s to 10 aircraft by 2026. To achieve this, Boeing broke ground on a $1 billion expansion of its 787 Dreamliner facilities in North Charleston in late 2024. This substantial investment includes the addition of a second 1.2 million-square-foot final assembly building, new support infrastructure, and increased flight line capacity. The expansion is anticipated to be completed by 2028, at which point the North Charleston site will have the capability to produce up to 16-20 aircraft per month.

Economic Implications for the Lowcountry

The ongoing expansion and the relocation of additional engineering roles are expected to have a considerable positive impact on the Charleston County economy and South Carolina entrepreneurs. The $1 billion expansion project alone is projected to create over 1,000 new, permanent jobs in South Carolina over the next five years. Additionally, the construction phase of this project is expected to employ approximately 2,500 construction workers. This influx of high-quality jobs is poised to attract skilled talent to the region, stimulate local businesses, and further solidify South Carolina’s standing as a leading global hub for advanced manufacturing.

South Carolina’s aerospace industry already contributes more than $38 billion annually to the state’s economy, supporting over 143,000 jobs. Wages in the state’s aerospace cluster offer a 40% premium over the state average. Since 2019, South Carolina’s aerospace manufacturing sector has experienced a 21.7% employment growth rate, which is the highest in the nation among peer aerospace states. The continued growth of Boeing’s operations plays a pivotal role in this impressive economic performance, acting as a major anchor that draws in suppliers and related businesses, fostering a robust aerospace ecosystem.

Cultivating Innovation and Opportunity

Supporting Local Talent

The expansion of Boeing’s engineering capabilities in North Charleston creates new avenues for Charleston small business growth and local workforce development. As the demand for skilled engineers and technicians increases, educational institutions and training programs across the state are likely to adapt and expand to meet these evolving needs. This symbiotic relationship between industry and education helps cultivate a talent pipeline that supports sustained economic progress and personal achievement for individuals seeking careers in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

Boeing’s presence in South Carolina has been instrumental in positioning the state as a key player in the nation’s aerospace sector. Beyond direct employment, the company’s operations stimulate a network of suppliers and service providers, creating ripple effects throughout the economy. This environment encourages local innovation and entrepreneurship, as smaller firms emerge and expand to meet the demands of a growing aerospace cluster, further boosting the Lowcountry economic growth.

The Role of a Favorable Business Climate

South Carolina has long been recognized for cultivating a business climate that attracts significant private investment. Factors such as a largely non-unionized workforce and strategic incentives have contributed to major companies like Boeing choosing the state for their expansion and consolidation efforts. In 2009, South Carolina offered an incentive package estimated between $800 million and $1 billion to secure Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner final assembly and delivery facility in North Charleston. This package included upfront state funding, property tax breaks, corporate tax credits, and a state-funded worker-training program. These proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to fostering economic growth through strategic partnerships and a limited regulatory burden, allowing businesses to thrive and expand.

The state’s approach has led to a diversified aerospace ecosystem, with an accelerating expansion of manufacturing suppliers since 2015. This demonstrates how a supportive governmental stance, coupled with a dedicated workforce, can create a powerful engine for economic development, benefiting both large corporations and local entrepreneurs alike.

Looking Ahead: Charleston’s Aerospace Horizon

Continued Growth Potential

The consolidation of 787 engineering work in North Charleston is a testament to Boeing’s long-term vision for its South Carolina operations and the continued global demand for the 787 Dreamliner. The company has a significant backlog of orders for the aircraft, with recent major commitments including up to 60 787-10s for Delta Air Lines and up to 75 aircraft for Turkish Airlines. This sustained demand underpins the rationale for increased production rates and the expansion of engineering capabilities in the Lowcountry.

As Boeing continues to invest in its North Charleston campus, the opportunities for the Charleston County economy are poised to grow. The presence of such a significant aerospace anchor encourages further private investment, fosters technological advancement, and creates a virtuous cycle of economic prosperity. The state’s ability to attract and retain major industries like Boeing serves as a powerful example of how a supportive business environment can lead to long-term economic resilience and dynamic growth.

The latest move by Boeing to transfer more 787 engineering work to North Charleston is a clear indicator of the region’s increasing prominence in the aerospace sector. This strategic decision, coupled with a significant $1 billion expansion and the creation of over a thousand new jobs, underscores the strength of the Charleston SC business environment. It highlights the positive outcomes that arise from entrepreneurial innovation, a resilient workforce, and a supportive governmental framework that prioritizes economic growth. Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay engaged and continue supporting the local industries that are shaping Charleston’s bright economic future.

FAQ

What new work is Boeing moving to South Carolina?

Boeing is moving additional 787 Dreamliner engineering work from the Puget Sound region to its North Charleston facility in South Carolina.

How many jobs will be impacted by this move?

Approximately 300 engineering and technical positions will be relocated to North Charleston.

What is the goal of consolidating 787 engineering work in South Carolina?

The goal is to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support increased production targets for the 787 Dreamliner. This consolidation also aims to co-locate engineers with the programs they support.

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

Boeing broke ground on a $1 billion expansion of its 787 Dreamliner facilities in North Charleston in late 2024.

How many new jobs will the expansion create in South Carolina?

The $1 billion expansion project is expected to create over 1,000 new, permanent jobs in South Carolina over the next five years. Additionally, the construction phase will employ approximately 2,500 construction workers.

What is the current economic impact of the aerospace industry in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s aerospace industry contributes more than $38 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports over 143,000 jobs Statewide.

What is the employment growth rate for aerospace manufacturing in South Carolina?

Since 2019, South Carolina’s aerospace manufacturing sector has seen a 21.7% employment growth rate, which is the highest in the nation among peer aerospace states.

Key Features of Boeing’s Expansion in North Charleston

Feature	Details	Geographic Scope
Engineering Work Relocation	Approximately 300 787 engineering and technical positions moving from Washington to North Charleston.	State-level
Investment Value	Over $1 billion for facility expansion.	State-level
New Permanent Jobs	Over 1,000 new jobs expected over the next five years.	State-level
Construction Jobs	Approximately 2,500 construction workers for the expansion.	State-level
Increased Production Target	Aim to reach 10 787 Dreamliners per month by 2026.	State-level
Future Production Capacity	Site capable of producing up to 16-20 aircraft per month after 2028 expansion completion.	State-level
Aerospace Economic Impact	South Carolina’s aerospace industry contributes over $38 billion annually.	State-level
Aerospace Job Growth Rate	21.7% employment growth in aerospace manufacturing since 2019, highest Nationwide among peer states.	Nationwide