Boeing South Carolina Breaks Ground on Major 787 Expansion

Boeing has officially broken ground on a major expansion of its Boeing South Carolina (BSC) site, the home of the 787 Dreamliner program. The move marks a significant investment in the future of the company’s widebody production as it gears up to increase 787 output to 10 aircraft per month by 2026.

The expansion project will enable Boeing to address the increasing global demand for the 787 Dreamliner series, known for its long-range efficiency, passenger comfort, and economic performance. Since its introduction, the 787 has facilitated the launch of over 370 new point-to-point routes globally and continues to be the top-selling widebody passenger aircraft in history.

The magnitude of the project highlights Boeing's confidence in the Dreamliner as well as the wider commercial aviation market. This construction endeavour will create over 6.2 million work hours and provide employment for more than 2,500 individuals through a partnership between HITT Contracting and BE&K Building Group.

So far, ninety customers around the world have placed over 2,250 orders for the 787 family. More than 1,200 aircraft have already been delivered, while Boeing’s backlog remains robust with nearly 1,000 unfilled orders, including more than 300 secured in 2025 alone. According to Boeing’s latest Commercial Market Outlook, the world’s airlines will need over 7,800 new widebody aircraft in the next 20 years as carriers modernise fleets, replace older jets, and expand international networks. The 787 is expected to play a central role in that growth.

“We continue to see strong demand for the 787 Dreamliner family and its market-leading efficiency and versatility,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Aircraft. “We are making this significant investment today to ensure Boeing is ready to meet our customers’ needs in the years and decades ahead. 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.”

For over ten years, the South Carolina facility has been central to the Dreamliner program. Since 2009, it has evolved into a key part of Boeing's commercial aircraft production network. Currently, over 8,200 Boeing employees operate at its North Charleston and Orangeburg locations, where they fabricate, assemble, and deliver all three 787 models, the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10, to customers worldwide.

The expansion underscores the strategic importance of the BSC site, which has become a key driver of both regional economic development and Boeing’s global competitiveness. As the company looks toward ramping up production in the coming years, South Carolina will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Dreamliner program continues to deliver cutting-edge technology and efficiency to airlines worldwide.

With construction now underway, Boeing’s investment signals not only confidence in the long-term recovery and growth of the commercial aviation sector but also a reaffirmation of the Dreamliner’s place as a cornerstone of modern air travel.

"With visionary leadership, President Trump is restoring America's industrial base and breathing life back into our great manufacturing states, including the great state of South Carolina," said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. "We are proud to work alongside American businesses to build the world's greatest products, create high-paying jobs, and safeguard the economic and national security of our nation."

"Boeing's continued investment in South Carolina is a tremendous vote of confidence in our state's people and business climate," said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. "This $1 billion expansion and the creation of 1,000 new jobs will strengthen our position as a global leader in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. We are grateful for Boeing's partnership and commitment to the Lowcountry, which will bring new opportunities and economic prosperity across our state."

"Boeing's decision to dramatically increase production capability of the 787 in Charleston is the ultimate vote of confidence for the South Carolina workforce," said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. "I'm so pleased that Boeing is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to South Carolina. The Boeing employees in our state have proven that they are worth the investment. This expanded production will create more jobs and ensure the viability of Boeing in South Carolina for decades to come."

"Today's groundbreaking represents a significant milestone not just for Boeing but for the state of South Carolina," said U.S. Senator Tim Scott. "This expansion will create more than a thousand quality jobs and reinforce our state's leadership in developing a strong workforce and pro-business environment. I look forward to the opportunities and prosperity this investment will bring to the Lowcountry and beyond."

"The expansion of the Boeing plant in North Charleston is welcome news," said U.S. Congressman Jim Clyburn. "Boeing has positioned South Carolina as a leader in the manufacturing and aerospace industry, and has created unprecedented opportunity for our workforce. This new expansion will create 1,000 new jobs. I'm thrilled for this next phase of growth, and look forward to our continuing partnership."