Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 19, Boeing has begun construction on a major expansion of its South Carolina operations to increase 787 Dreamliner production to 10 jets per month by 2026. The company is investing over $1 billion in upgrades across its two North Charleston campuses, with plans to create more than 1,000 new jobs over the next five years.

Boeing’s rendering of its planned new 1.2-million-square-foot final assembly building

The expanded facility will feature a new 1.2-million-square-foot final assembly building, enlarged parts-prep areas, additional flight line capacity, and improvements to the Interiors Responsibility Center. Boeing expects over 2,500 construction workers to log approximately 6.2 million hours on the project.

The expansion reflects strong global demand for the 787 family. Boeing has received over 2,250 orders from 90 customers, making the Dreamliner the world’s best-selling widebody. To date, the company has delivered more than 1,200 jets and maintains a backlog nearing 1,000 aircraft, including more than 300 new orders this year.

Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a press release: “We continue to see strong demand for the 787. This investment ensures we’re ready to meet our customers’ needs for decades.”

State and federal officials praised the expansion as a significant boost to South Carolina’s manufacturing sector. Leaders highlighted the project’s long-term job creation and the skilled workforce supporting the 787 production cycle. Boeing’s operations in the state, established in 2009, now employ more than 8,200 workers across its Lowcountry sites, covering the complete production of the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 models.

The investment will enable Boeing to increase assembly capacity and streamline production processes, supporting the company’s global customer base. By expanding both infrastructure and workforce, Boeing aims to maintain efficient delivery schedules while meeting growing market demand for widebody aircraft.

This development reinforces South Carolina’s role as a key hub for commercial aircraft manufacturing. The upgraded facilities will enhance production efficiency and accommodate future growth in the 787 program, ensuring that Boeing can fulfill customer orders promptly.

Overall, the South Carolina expansion demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to long-term investment in U.S. aerospace manufacturing, supporting workforce growth, operational capacity, and the continued success of the 787 Dreamliner program worldwide.