February 7, 2026

Boeing Expands 787 Operations, Strengthening Charleston’s Economy

Charleston, SC, February 7, 2026

Boeing is consolidating more of its 787 Dreamliner engineering work into its North Charleston facility, amplifying Charleston’s status as a leader in aerospace manufacturing. This strategic move is expected to create over 1,000 jobs in the region while showcasing South Carolina’s robust business environment and ongoing investment in high-skill occupations. With this expansion, Boeing aims to boost its production rate and solidify its operations in the Lowcountry, further supporting economic growth and attracting entrepreneurs.

Charleston, SC

Boeing Expands 787 Operations, Bolstering Charleston’s Aerospace Future

Charleston’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and global innovation is set to strengthen further as Boeing consolidates more of its 787 Dreamliner engineering work into its North Charleston facility. This strategic move by the aerospace giant underscores the growing capabilities and attractive business environment of the Lowcountry, highlighting themes of sustained entrepreneurial innovation and the benefits of a robust local economy.

The aerospace sector in South Carolina has shown remarkable resilience and growth, even amidst global economic shifts. This latest development from Boeing reflects a broader trend of private investment and a commitment to expanding high-skill, high-wage job opportunities within the state, offering promising prospects for Charleston SC business and the broader Charleston County economy. The consolidation is part of a larger strategy by Boeing to streamline its 787 production and meet increasing global demand.

Consolidation of 787 Engineering Work in North Charleston

Boeing is in the process of transferring remaining 787 engineering work from Washington state to its North Charleston facility. This decision means approximately 300 engineering and technical positions will be relocated to South Carolina. While the exact timeline for this transition remains unclear, and the potential for layoffs in Washington is not yet determined, this move is a significant step towards consolidating the 787 program in the Palmetto State.

This follows Boeing’s earlier decision in October 2020 to centralize all 787 final assembly in North Charleston, a move completed in February 2021. The shift was partly influenced by cost-saving measures and a decline in air travel demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. South Carolina’s business climate, characterized by lower union participation rates compared to the Pacific Northwest, has also been noted as a factor in Boeing’s increasing investment in the state.

Boeing’s Expanding Footprint and Production Goals

Boeing’s North Charleston campus has been an integral part of the 787 program since 2009, managing the entire production cycle from fabrication and assembly to delivery for the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 variants. The company has invested more than $3 billion in Charleston’s economy since 2009. Currently, Boeing employs over 8,200 people across its South Carolina operations.

To meet rising global demand for fuel-efficient widebody jets, Boeing announced a $1 billion expansion of its 787 Dreamliner production facilities in North Charleston in late 2024. This substantial investment includes the construction of a new final assembly building, designed to mirror the existing 1.2 million-square-foot facility, and upgrades to assembly, painting, and interiors production processes. The expansion is projected to create more than 1,000 new jobs in the region over the next five years.

Boeing aims to increase its 787 production rate to 10 aircraft per month by 2026. This new capacity, along with the planned second final assembly line, could potentially double the site’s production capacity to 20 jets monthly when fully operational, scheduled for 2028.

Economic Momentum and Job Creation in the Lowcountry

The aerospace industry is a significant driver of economic growth in South Carolina. The state’s aerospace sector now contributes an estimated $38.3 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports over 143,000 jobs, with wages approximately 40% higher than the state average. South Carolina’s aerospace manufacturing has demonstrated the highest employment growth rate among peer-aerospace states since 2019, at 21.7%.

Boeing’s presence alone has had a substantial impact, contributing to an increase of 6,000 aerospace jobs in the state between 2010 and 2021, exceeding the 3,800 jobs initially promised. Furthermore, the local employment multiplier effect in the Charleston Metropolitan Area indicates that each promised job generated 2.6 other jobs within five years of the plant’s opening. This expansion will further stimulate Lowcountry economic growth, creating high-paying jobs and fostering a skilled workforce.

A Favorable Environment for South Carolina Entrepreneurs

The consistent expansion of major manufacturers like Boeing speaks volumes about South Carolina’s supportive business environment. Factors such as a dedicated focus on workforce development, exemplified by initiatives like the South Carolina Aeronautical Training Center, ensure a pipeline of skilled workers for industries like aerospace. This focus on nurturing talent and providing the necessary infrastructure creates fertile ground for South Carolina entrepreneurs and small businesses, encouraging further investment and innovation across the state.

The state’s proactive approach to attracting and retaining high-tech manufacturing, coupled with policies that foster a competitive business climate, has positioned South Carolina as a leader in advanced manufacturing. This environment not only benefits large corporations but also creates ripple effects, generating opportunities for smaller local suppliers and service providers who form the backbone of the region’s economy.

Looking Ahead: Sustained Growth for Charleston

The ongoing expansion of Boeing’s 787 operations in North Charleston is a testament to the thriving Charleston small business community and the wider economic dynamism of the region. It solidifies the Lowcountry’s reputation as a critical player in the global aerospace industry and promises continued job creation and economic prosperity. This growth fosters an environment where innovation can flourish, and individuals can achieve personal and professional success.

To maintain this upward trajectory, continued collaboration between industry, educational institutions, and local government will be crucial. We encourage our readers to support the businesses that contribute to Charleston’s robust economy and stay engaged in the discussions shaping our community’s bright future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boeing doing in South Carolina?

Boeing is moving the remaining 787 engineering work from Washington state to its North Charleston facility, consolidating its 787 Dreamliner production.

How many jobs are impacted by this move?

Approximately 300 engineering and technical positions are expected to be relocated from Washington state.

What is Boeing’s investment in its South Carolina facilities?

Boeing announced a $1 billion expansion of its 787 Dreamliner production facilities in North Charleston in late 2024. The company has invested more than $3 billion in Charleston’s economy since 2009.

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

The expansion is projected to create more than 1,000 new jobs in the region over the next five years.

What are Boeing’s 787 production goals in North Charleston?

Boeing aims to increase its 787 production rate to 10 aircraft per month by 2026. With the new final assembly line, the site could potentially double its production capacity to 20 jets monthly when fully operational in 2028.

What has been the economic impact of Boeing in South Carolina to date?

Boeing’s presence contributed to an increase of 6,000 aerospace jobs in the state between 2010 and 2021. Each promised job generated 2.6 other jobs within the Charleston Metropolitan Area within five years of the plant’s opening. Overall, South Carolina’s aerospace sector now contributes an estimated $38.3 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports over 143,000 jobs.

Key Features of Boeing’s Expansion in South Carolina

Feature	Detail	Scope
Work Relocation	Remaining 787 engineering work moved from Washington state to North Charleston.	State-level
Jobs Impacted by Relocation	Approximately 300 engineering and technical positions in Washington state.	State-level
Total Investment in SC Expansion	$1 billion announced in late 2024.	State-level
New Jobs Created in SC	Over 1,000 new jobs projected over the next five years.	Local/State-level
Current SC Workforce	Over 8,200 employees across South Carolina operations.	State-level
Target 787 Production Rate (2026)	10 aircraft per month.	Local/State-level
Potential Max Production Capacity (2028)	20 jets monthly with second final assembly line.	Local/State-level
Aerospace Sector Annual Contribution to SC Economy	Estimated $38.3 billion.	State-level
Total Aerospace Jobs in SC	Over 143,000 jobs.	State-level