Air TransportBoeing starts the expansion of the South Carolina 787 Dreamliner facility
Boeing started the expansion of the Boeing South Carolina (BSC) on November 7, aiming to increase production of the 787 Dreamliner.
The company is responding to rising global demand for widebody aircraft and plans to reach a monthly production rate of 10 aircraft in 2026. Boeing has committed more than $1 billion to upgrade its facilities.
The planemaker had already revealed in 2024 plans to expand and modernize its facilities near Charleston International Airport, as well as to establish a second campus.
“We continue to see strong demand for the 787 Dreamliner family and its market-leading efficiency and versatility. We are making this significant investment today to ensure Boeing is ready to meet our customer’s needs in the years and decades ahead, said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This site expansion is a testament to the incredible work of our Boeing teammates and deepens our commitment to them, to South Carolina, and to American manufacturing.”
The expansion project includes a new final assembly building, a dedicated parts preparation area, a vertical stabilizer paint facility, and enhancements to the Interiors Responsibility Center. Construction is expected to employ over 2,500 workers and require an estimated 6.2 million labor hours.
Boeing reports that ninety customers worldwide have placed more than 2,250 orders for the 787 Dreamliner family. The current backlog stands at nearly 1,000 aircraft, with over 300 orders added this year.
Industry forecasts indicate a need for more than 7,800 new widebody aircraft over the next two decades, underscoring continued demand for the 787 and similar models.
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