Charleston, SC, February 11, 2026
Boeing’s recent performance highlights its dedication to Charleston’s economy. As the hub for assembly and delivery of the 787 Dreamliner, Charleston benefits from significant investments and job creation. Boeing’s commitment includes a $1 billion expansion to increase production and foster local business growth, further solidifying its impact on the Lowcountry’s economic landscape.
Charleston, SC
Boeing’s Deliveries and Charleston’s Economic Skies
The global aerospace giant’s recent performance signals a resilient path forward, underscored by its deep and growing commitment to the Lowcountry’s vibrant business landscape.
Charleston, South Carolina, continues to distinguish itself as a beacon of economic vitality and innovation. At the heart of this thriving environment is the significant presence of global manufacturing leaders like Boeing, whose ongoing investments and production achievements underscore the potential when entrepreneurial spirit meets a supportive business climate. The aerospace sector’s dynamic nature, marked by both challenges and opportunities, showcases the determination of companies and the skilled workforce that drives them forward, contributing substantially to local and national prosperity.
The Lowcountry’s commitment to fostering economic growth through advanced manufacturing and a highly capable workforce has positioned it as a critical hub in the aerospace industry. Boeing’s operations in North Charleston exemplify this synergy, representing a powerful engine for job creation, technological advancement, and a robust ecosystem for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the region.
Global Deliveries: A Snapshot of Production Power
Boeing concluded 2024 with a total of 348 commercial aircraft deliveries Nationwide. This figure included 265 737 MAX, 18 767F, 14 777Fs, and 51 787s. In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, the company delivered 57 commercial aircraft, comprising 36 737 MAX, 3 767Fs, 3 777Fs, and 15 787s. These 2024 delivery numbers represent a decrease from the 528 commercial aircraft delivered in 2023 Nationwide. The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a 64% reduction in deliveries compared to the 157 planes delivered in the same period of 2023 Nationwide.
Looking ahead, Boeing has announced plans for approximately 600 total commercial aircraft deliveries for the full year 2025 Nationwide. The fourth quarter of 2025 saw 160 commercial aircraft deliveries, including 27 787 Dreamliners. The company’s resilience in navigating supply chain complexities and market demands continues to highlight the intricate global nature of modern manufacturing.
Charleston’s Critical Role in the Dreamliner’s Journey
North Charleston stands as the exclusive global hub for the final assembly and delivery of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a consolidation completed in February 2021 Nationwide. This pivotal role reinforces South Carolina’s emergence as a key player in the aerospace sector. Boeing recently announced a substantial $1 billion investment to expand its 787 Dreamliner production facilities in North Charleston by 2026. This strategic expansion aims to increase the 787 production rate to 10 airplanes per month by 2026, an ambitious goal supported by strong market demand.
The expansion plan includes the addition of a second assembly building, mirroring the current 1.2 million-square-foot facility, effectively doubling final assembly capacity. Further enhancing capabilities are new specialized facilities, such as a dedicated parts preparation area, a vertical fin paint facility, and crucial additions to the Interiors Responsibility Center, where many 787 cabin components are manufactured. This long-term commitment speaks volumes about the productivity and skill of the local workforce.
Economic Ripple Effects: Supporting Lowcountry Businesses
Boeing’s enduring presence and growth in Charleston have generated substantial economic benefits for the entire State-level. Since establishing operations in 2009, Boeing has invested over $3 billion in the region. This investment translates into significant job creation, with the current expansion alone expected to create 500 new jobs by 2026 and over 1,000 new jobs over the next five years, bringing Boeing’s South Carolina workforce to more than 8,300.
The economic impact extends far beyond direct employment. Studies indicate that Boeing’s operations have boosted local wages by 3% and increased overall employment by 6% in the Charleston Metro Area State-level. Furthermore, research suggests that each promised job at Boeing generated 2.6 other jobs within the Charleston Metro Area, showcasing a significant multiplier effect. This robust economic activity stimulates demand for local goods and services, fostering a resilient ecosystem for Charleston small businesses and South Carolina entrepreneurs.
Navigating Challenges and Strengthening the Foundation
The aerospace industry is no stranger to complexities. Boeing’s 2024 delivery figures were impacted by a range of factors, including incidents, leadership changes, production adjustments, and a workers’ strike by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) which took place from September 13, 2024, to November 4, 2024. Quality issues, particularly in the wake of the Alaska Airlines 737-9 Max incident, also contributed to the challenges faced Nationwide. Such periods, while demanding, often serve as catalysts for renewed focus on operational excellence, safety protocols, and supply chain integrity, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement that ultimately benefits all stakeholders.
In a strategic move to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, Boeing also plans to consolidate 787 engineering work in South Carolina. This initiative may involve shifting approximately 300 engineering jobs from Washington state to North Charleston, co-locating engineers with the programs they support Nationwide. This decision highlights the company’s commitment to optimizing its production processes and further integrating its highly skilled technical teams in the Lowcountry.
Cultivating a Favorable Business Environment
The sustained growth and expansion of major employers like Boeing in Charleston underscore the importance of a favorable business environment. South Carolina’s ability to attract and retain high-tech manufacturing operations is a testament to its strategic investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and a predictable regulatory landscape. This approach fosters innovation and provides a stable foundation for both large corporations and the myriad of Charleston small businesses that form the backbone of the local economy. The collaboration between industry, government, and educational institutions in the State-level creates opportunities for personal achievement and fuels the overall Lowcountry economic growth.
Boeing’s latest delivery data, alongside its significant investments and expansion in North Charleston, reaffirms the company’s vital role in the Lowcountry economy. These developments highlight the dynamic interplay between global industry trends and local economic growth, driven by innovation, a skilled workforce, and strategic development. As Charleston SC business continues its upward trajectory, the commitment to fostering an environment where South Carolina entrepreneurs and established enterprises can thrive remains paramount. Supporting local businesses and staying engaged in Charleston County economy are crucial steps in securing a prosperous future for the entire community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Boeing’s latest commercial aircraft delivery figures for 2024?
- Boeing delivered 348 commercial aircraft in 2024 Nationwide, including 265 737 MAX, 18 767F, 14 777Fs, and 51 787s.
- How many commercial aircraft did Boeing deliver in Q4 2024?
- In the fourth quarter of 2024, Boeing delivered 57 commercial aircraft Nationwide, specifically 36 737 MAX, 3 767Fs, 3 777Fs, and 15 787s.
- What are Boeing’s projected commercial aircraft deliveries for 2025?
- Boeing has announced plans for approximately 600 total commercial aircraft deliveries for the full year 2025 Nationwide.
- What is Boeing investing in its North Charleston facilities?
- Boeing is investing $1 billion to expand its 787 Dreamliner production facilities in North Charleston by 2026.
- How many jobs will Boeing’s North Charleston expansion create?
- The expansion is expected to create 500 new jobs by 2026 and over 1,000 new jobs over the next five years, bringing Boeing’s South Carolina workforce to more than 8,300.
- What is the target production rate for the 787 Dreamliner in North Charleston?
- The goal is to increase the 787 production rate to 10 airplanes per month by 2026.
- What is the economic impact of Boeing’s presence in the Charleston Metro Area?
- Boeing’s operations have boosted local wages by 3% and increased overall employment by 6% in the Charleston Metro Area State-level, with each promised job generating 2.6 other jobs.
Key Features of Boeing’s Impact in Charleston
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Commercial Aircraft Deliveries | 348 aircraft (265 737 MAX, 18 767F, 14 777Fs, 51 787s) | Nationwide |
| Q4 2024 Commercial Aircraft Deliveries | 57 aircraft (36 737 MAX, 3 767Fs, 3 777Fs, 15 787s) | Nationwide |
| 2025 Projected Commercial Aircraft Deliveries | Approx. 600 total commercial aircraft | Nationwide |
| 787 Dreamliner Production Site | Sole final assembly and delivery in North Charleston | Nationwide |
| North Charleston Facility Expansion Investment | $1 billion by 2026 | State-level |
| New Jobs from Expansion | 500 new jobs by 2026; over 1,000 new jobs over next five years | State-level |
| Total SC Workforce (Boeing) | More than 8,300 | State-level |
| Target 787 Production Rate (North Charleston) | 10 airplanes per month by 2026 | State-level |
| Charleston Metro Area Wage Increase due to Boeing | 3% increase | State-level |
| Charleston Metro Area Employment Increase due to Boeing | 6% increase | State-level |
| Job Multiplier Effect (per promised Boeing job) | 2.6 other jobs generated | State-level |
| 787 Engineering Work Consolidation | Approx. 300 engineering jobs shifting to South Carolina | Nationwide |
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