Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed August 7, 2026, as Boeing 787 Dreamliner Day in South Carolina, honoring the aircraft’s significance to the state’s economy and the company’s deep roots in North Charleston.
For more than a decade, North Charleston has served as the home for the full Boeing 787 Dreamliner production cycle. Boeing employs more than 9,000 people in South Carolina and has contributed approximately $1.9 billion to the state’s economy, according to the governor’s proclamation.
The 787 Dreamliner program began in April 2004 with a record order from All Nippon Airways, marking an ambitious new chapter in commercial aviation. The aircraft made its first delivery in 2011, launching a manufacturing success story that continues today.
Since that first delivery, the 787 has become the fastest-selling and bestselling twin-aisle passenger airplane in the world. Nearly 2,500 orders have been placed by over 90 customers from six continents, demonstrating the aircraft’s appeal across global markets.
Beyond the North Charleston campus, Boeing also operates Fabrication South Carolina Aerostructures (FSCA) in Orangeburg, which supports manufacturing for the 787, 777, and 737 programs. Since 2010, Boeing has invested more than $135 million in nonprofit organizations across South Carolina, supporting conservation, education, arts and culture, workforce development, health and human services, and community strengthening initiatives.
The proclamation reflects Boeing’s substantial role in South Carolina’s aerospace sector. In December 2024, Boeing announced a $1 billion investment in its Charleston County operations, with plans to create 500 new jobs over the next five years, signaling continued expansion at the North Charleston facility.
Sources
- WJBF — Governor McMaster’s proclamation of August 7, 2026, as Boeing 787 Dreamliner Day; employment figures (9,000+ employees), economic contribution ($1.9 billion), program history (launch in April 2004, first delivery in 2011), order count (nearly 2,500 orders from 90+ customers), and investment details ($135 million in nonprofits since 2010)
- Boeing — $1 billion investment announcement and 500 new jobs commitment (December 2024)
