January 14, 2026

Boeing South Carolina’s 787 Dreamliner Program Sees Surge in Orders

Charleston, SC, January 14, 2026

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner program in South Carolina is witnessing a remarkable upsurge in orders, nearing an all-time high and reflecting the region’s rising stature as a manufacturing hub. The surge has prompted Boeing to commit to a $1 billion expansion in North Charleston, creating significant job opportunities and catalyzing local economic growth. This development embodies the positive impacts of strategic investments and robust demand for air travel, reinforcing Boeing’s pivotal role in the Lowcountry’s aerospace sector.

Charleston, SC – The aerospace industry in the Lowcountry is experiencing a significant uplift, as Boeing South Carolina’s 787 Dreamliner program saw orders surge to near an all-time high in 2025. This remarkable demand underscores Charleston’s growing prominence as a hub for advanced manufacturing and highlights the profound impact that strategic investment and a supportive business environment can have on local economic expansion. The resilience of this sector and the entrepreneurial spirit driving its growth are proving instrumental in fortifying the Charleston County economy.

The success of the 787 program in North Charleston is a testament to focused private-sector innovation and the dedication of a skilled workforce. As global demand for air travel rebounds and expands, Boeing’s decision to bolster its South Carolina operations reflects a confident outlook on the region’s capabilities and its favorable economic climate for long-term growth. This surge in orders is not merely a corporate achievement; it represents tangible opportunities for businesses and individuals across the state, fostering job creation and enhancing community prosperity.

The Dreamliner’s Resurgence and Record Orders

In 2025, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner program experienced a substantial increase in orders, approaching an all-time high. Between 2020 and July 31, 2025, Boeing secured 807 gross orders for the 787. More than 250 of those orders were placed in 2025 alone, contributing to a robust backlog. The 787 Dreamliner family has amassed over 2,250 orders from 90 customers worldwide, solidifying its position as the best-selling widebody passenger airplane in history. The current backlog for the 787 stands at nearly 1,000 airplanes, with over 300 orders added in 2025.

This escalating demand reflects not only the aircraft’s market-leading efficiency and versatility but also a broader resurgence in the commercial aviation industry. The ability of the North Charleston facility to meet this demand positions South Carolina as a critical player in global aerospace manufacturing, demonstrating the capacity for high-volume, high-quality production within the state. This sustained market confidence in the 787 translates directly into stability and growth prospects for Charleston SC business and related industries.

Billions in Investment, Thousands of New Jobs

In response to this strong market demand, Boeing announced a significant $1 billion investment to expand its 787 Dreamliner production facilities in North Charleston by 2026. This comprehensive plan includes the construction of a second assembly building on its International Boulevard campus, alongside substantial upgrades to existing operations. The expansion project, which began on November 7, 2025, is a large undertaking, involving over 2,500 construction workers and approximately 6.2 million construction hours.

This substantial private investment is projected to create 500 new jobs, increasing Boeing’s South Carolina workforce to over 8,300 employees. Furthermore, the company aims to elevate the production rate to 10 aircraft per month by 2026, with studies underway for a potential long-term rate of 16 aircraft per month. Such growth not only provides direct employment opportunities but also stimulates the entire Charleston County economy, driving demand for local services, suppliers, and skilled trades. Boeing has consistently invested in Charleston’s economy, with total investments exceeding $3 billion since 2009.

A Foundation of Economic Resilience in the Lowcountry

The establishment and expansion of Boeing’s operations have profoundly transformed the Lowcountry’s economic landscape. The North Charleston facility, which opened in July 2011, has been the exclusive production site for the 787-10 Dreamliner and consolidated all 787 Dreamliner production in North Charleston in 2020. This strategic centralization of production highlights the region’s importance to Boeing’s global operations.

The ripple effect of Boeing’s presence is evident across the state’s aerospace sector. A 2014 study indicated that the Boeing plant had a substantial impact on the state’s aerospace industry. Between 2010 and 2021, the state gained 6,000 aerospace jobs, exceeding the initially promised 3,800 jobs. Beyond direct employment, a local multiplier analysis revealed that each promised Boeing job generated 2.6 other jobs within the Charleston Metro Area in the five years following the plant’s opening. Overall, Boeing’s presence in South Carolina has boosted local wages by 3% and overall employment by 6%. These figures demonstrate the catalytic effect of large-scale private investment on regional economic development, fostering a thriving environment for Charleston small business.

South Carolina’s Pro-Business Edge

The robust growth of the aerospace industry in South Carolina can be attributed, in part, to the state’s consistently pro-business environment. South Carolina’s reputation for competitive tax structures, right-to-work laws, and performance-based incentive programs has made it an attractive destination for global manufacturers. These policies create a predictable and stable regulatory environment, allowing long-term investments, such as Boeing’s multi-billion dollar commitment, to flourish.

The state’s aerospace industry as a whole now contributes more than $38 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports over 143,000 jobs. Significantly, aerospace jobs in South Carolina command wages 40 percent above the state’s average, indicating a high-skill, high-wage sector. Between 2018 and 2024, South Carolina’s aerospace manufacturing achieved a 21.7% employment growth rate, the highest in the nation. This impressive growth demonstrates the efficacy of a business climate that minimizes unnecessary burdens and encourages private enterprise, contributing directly to Lowcountry economic growth.

Investing in the Community and Workforce

The expansion of Boeing’s operations also signifies a continued investment in the local community and its workforce. The creation of high-paying jobs fosters personal achievement and upward mobility for South Carolina entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. This robust employment base contributes to a vibrant local economy, supporting small businesses and community services.

Moreover, the advanced manufacturing processes inherent in aerospace production necessitate a highly trained workforce, driving educational and vocational institutions to develop specialized programs. This cultivates a pipeline of local talent, ensuring that residents can seize the opportunities presented by such industrial growth. The sustained success of Boeing in North Charleston is a powerful example of how private enterprise, supported by a constructive policy environment, can lead to widespread benefits for a community.

Conclusion

The surge in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner orders in 2025 and the subsequent $1 billion expansion underscore a period of significant growth and optimism for Charleston’s economy. This trajectory is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial innovation, substantial private investment, and a supportive business climate that encourages expansion rather than hindering it. The resulting job creation and economic ripple effects are profoundly beneficial for Charleston SC business, Charleston County economy, and the entire state, reinforcing South Carolina’s position as a national leader in aerospace manufacturing.

As Charleston continues to evolve, maintaining a commitment to policies that foster economic freedom and enable businesses to thrive will be crucial. We encourage our readers to support the local businesses that form the backbone of our community and stay engaged in the ongoing narrative of Charleston’s economic future, ensuring that the Lowcountry remains a beacon of opportunity and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the status of Boeing South Carolina’s 787 orders in 2025?
Boeing South Carolina’s 787 Dreamliner program saw orders surge to near an all-time high in 2025. Between 2020 and July 31, 2025, Boeing secured 807 gross orders for the 787, with more than 250 of those orders placed in 2025 alone. The current backlog for the 787 stands at nearly 1,000 airplanes, including over 300 orders added in 2025.

How much is Boeing investing in its North Charleston facilities?
Boeing announced a significant $1 billion investment to expand its 787 Dreamliner production facilities in North Charleston by 2026.

How many new jobs will Boeing’s expansion create in South Carolina?
The $1 billion investment is projected to create 500 new jobs, increasing Boeing’s South Carolina workforce to over 8,300 employees.

What is Boeing’s target production rate for the 787 Dreamliner in South Carolina?
Boeing aims to elevate the production rate to 10 aircraft per month by 2026, with studies underway for a potential long-term rate of 16 aircraft per month.

What is the economic contribution of South Carolina’s aerospace industry?
The aerospace industry in South Carolina contributes more than $38 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports over 143,000 jobs.

How has Boeing’s presence impacted job creation in the Charleston Metro Area?
A local multiplier analysis revealed that each promised Boeing job generated 2.6 other jobs within the Charleston Metro Area in the five years following the plant’s opening. Overall, Boeing’s presence in South Carolina has boosted local wages by 3% and overall employment by 6%.

Key Features of Boeing South Carolina’s 787 Program Growth

Feature	Details	Scope
2025 Order Surge	Over 250 orders placed in 2025 alone; near an all-time high.	State-level
Total 787 Orders (2020-2025)	807 gross orders between 2020 and July 31, 2025.	Nationwide
Total 787 Orders (Overall)	Over 2,250 orders from 90 customers, best-selling widebody passenger airplane.	Nationwide
Current 787 Backlog	Nearly 1,000 airplanes, including over 300 orders added in 2025.	Nationwide
New Investment	$1 billion expansion in North Charleston by 2026.	State-level
New Jobs Created	500 new jobs projected, bringing workforce to over 8,300.	State-level
Target Production Rate (2026)	10 aircraft per month.	State-level
Long-term Production Rate Goal	Studied at 16 aircraft per month.	State-level
Aerospace Industry Economic Contribution	Over $38 billion annually to state economy.	State-level
Aerospace Industry Jobs	Supports over 143,000 jobs.	State-level
Aerospace Job Wages	40 percent above the state’s average wage.	State-level
Aerospace Manufacturing Employment Growth (2018-2024)	21.7% growth rate, highest in the nation.	State-level
Job Multiplier Effect	Each promised Boeing job generated 2.6 other jobs in the Charleston Metro Area.	State-level
Local Wage/Employment Boost from Boeing	Local wages boosted by 3%, overall employment by 6%.	State-level