Boeing has broken ground on its site expansion in South Carolina to meet the increase in demand for its 787 Dreamliner aircraft from customers worldwide. Boeing South Carolina (BSC), known as the home of the 787 Dreamliner program, is expanding its site near the Charleston International Airport, adding a second campus. The aircraft manufacturer had announced its plans for expansion in 2024. It is investing over $1 billion in this site expansion.
Boeing South Carolina: Home of the 787 Dreamliner
BSC has been the home of the 787 model jets in the last decade. It has all the facilities to fabricate, assemble and deliver the three (787-8, 787-9, 787-10) model aircraft. Across the world, 90 customers have ordered more than 2000 Dreamliner model aircraft, making it the best-selling widebody passenger aircraft of all time.
To meet the rise in demand for this best-selling aircraft, Boeing started to expand its BSC site, with the construction expected to create over 2,500 jobs with more than 6.2 million construction hours. The construction will be a BE&K-HITT Contracting joint venture.
Boeing has a backlog of more than 1,000 Dreamliner aircraft to deliver, following the delivery of more than 1,200. Its current order book for the Dreamliner family stands at 2250.
With the expansion, Boeing is set to increase the production rate of 787 at 10 per month. Boeing’s commercial market outlook predicts a requirement of more than 7,800 new widebody airplanes over the next two decades.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said,
“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.”
South Carolina site expansion:
Boeing is investing more than $1 billion in the expansion to add a second campus.
The site expansion also includes:
- 1.2 million square feet of area for the new final assembly building, which is for airplane production positions, production support and office space.
- This site also includes a part preparation area, vertical fin paint facility, Flight Line stalls and more at the Charleston International Airport campus.
- In addition to the above, it includes the Interiors Responsibility Centre, where 787 interior components are made.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said,
“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.”
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