Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Boeing Expands 787 Dreamliner Production in South Carolina with 1 Billion Investment
Boeing invests over $1 billion to expand its 787 Dreamliner production in South Carolina, creating 1,000+ jobs and increasing monthly output by 2026.
Boeing Bets Big on South Carolina with Major 787 Dreamliner Expansion
On November 7, 2025, Boeing broke ground on a significant expansion of its 787 Dreamliner production site in North Charleston, South Carolina. This move signals a robust confidence in the future of its flagship widebody aircraft, backed by a substantial investment of over $1 billion. The expansion is not merely about adding square footage; it’s a strategic maneuver designed to meet surging global demand for the 787 and to ramp up production capabilities for the coming years. This development solidifies South Carolina’s position as a critical hub in the global aerospace industry and promises a considerable economic boost for the region.
The project is a direct response to a healthy and growing order book for the Dreamliner family. Airlines worldwide are increasingly turning to the 787 for its fuel efficiency, extended range, and passenger comfort, especially as international travel rebounds. With a current backlog of nearly 1,000 airplanes, Boeing is under pressure to increase its delivery rate. This expansion is the company’s answer, a calculated investment to ensure it can meet its commitments to customers and capitalize on a market projected to require more than 7,800 new widebody airplanes over the next two decades. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the official start of a project that will reshape Boeing’s production landscape and have lasting effects on the state’s economy.
Scaling Up: The Anatomy of a Billion-Dollar Investment
The scale of the North Charleston expansion is impressive, encompassing new facilities and a significant increase in workforce. The core of the project is a new final assembly building, which will add approximately 1.2 million square feet, effectively doubling the current assembly capacity. This will be complemented by a new parts preparation area, a vertical fin paint facility, and additional stalls on the Flight Line to accommodate the increased output. Furthermore, the Interiors Responsibility Center, where many of the 787’s cabin components are manufactured, will also be expanded to keep pace with the higher production tempo.
This investment translates directly into job creation, both temporary and permanent. The construction phase alone is projected to employ over 2,500 people, involving more than 6.2 million construction hours managed by a joint venture between HITT Contracting and BE&K Building Group. Once operational, the expanded facilities are expected to create more than 1,000 new permanent jobs at Boeing over the next five years. This influx of skilled labor will further deepen the aerospace talent pool in the region, building on the more than 8,200 employees Boeing already has in South Carolina.
The primary driver for this expansion is the need to accelerate the 787 production rate. After navigating the challenges of the past few years, Boeing is methodically increasing its output. Having produced 14 Dreamliners per month before 2020, the rate was at five per month in early 2025. It has since climbed to seven per month, with the expansion paving the way to reach a target of 10 airplanes per month in 2026. This carefully managed ramp-up is essential to work through the substantial backlog and meet delivery schedules for customers around the globe.
“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. 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.” – Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Economic Ripple Effect and Strategic Importance
Boeing’s presence has been a transformative force for South Carolina’s economy since operations began in 2009, and this new investment is set to amplify that impact. According to a 2024 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, the initial Boeing plant spurred a 311% increase in aerospace employment in its first decade. The study also identified a local employment multiplier of 2.6 in the Charleston area, meaning each Boeing job helped generate 2.6 additional jobs in the local economy. With projections that Boeing’s operations will contribute $6.1 billion annually to the state’s economy, this expansion is a significant catalyst for further growth.
The decision to expand has drawn praise from state and federal officials, who view it as a validation of South Carolina’s business-friendly environment and skilled workforce. Governor Henry McMaster highlighted the move as a “tremendous vote of confidence” that strengthens the state’s leadership in aerospace. This sentiment was echoed by Senator Lindsey Graham and Congressman Jim Clyburn, who both emphasized the positive implications for the state’s workforce and its standing in the advanced manufacturing sector. This broad support underscores the symbiotic relationship between Boeing and South Carolina, where public and private interests align to foster economic development.
Strategically, this expansion cements the North Charleston site as the exclusive final assembly point for all three variants of the 787 Dreamliner. By consolidating and expanding production in South Carolina, Boeing is streamlining its operations and investing in a facility that has become central to its widebody strategy. The 787 remains the best-selling widebody passenger airplane of all time, with its market value projected to grow from $26.4 billion in 2024 to $43.8 billion by 2033. This expansion is a clear signal that Boeing is positioning its South Carolina operations to be the engine of that growth for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion: Building the Future in North Charleston
Boeing’s billion-dollar expansion in South Carolina is a multifaceted strategic initiative. It is, first and foremost, a direct and decisive response to the powerful global demand for the 787 Dreamliner. By investing in new infrastructure and a larger workforce, the company is building the capacity to increase its production rate and fulfill a backlog of nearly 1,000 aircraft. This move is critical for maintaining market leadership and satisfying airline customers who rely on the 787’s efficiency for their long-haul routes.
Beyond the production line, this investment represents a deepened commitment to South Carolina and American manufacturing. The creation of over 1,000 new jobs and the significant economic multiplier effect will provide a substantial boost to the regional economy, reinforcing the state’s identity as an aerospace powerhouse. As the new facilities take shape, they stand as a physical manifestation of Boeing’s confidence in its product, its people, and its long-term vision for the future of air travel, all being built from the ground up in North Charleston.
FAQ
Question: How much is Boeing investing in the South Carolina expansion?
Answer: Boeing is investing over $1 billion in its North Charleston 787 site expansion.
Question: How many new jobs will be created?
Answer: The expansion is projected to create more than 1,000 new permanent jobs over the next five years, with an additional 2,500 jobs during the construction phase.
Question: What is the main reason for this expansion?
Answer: The expansion is driven by strong global demand for the 787 Dreamliner. Boeing has a backlog of nearly 1,000 airplanes and needs to increase its production rate to meet customer needs.
Question: What is Boeing’s new production target for the 787 Dreamliner?
Answer: With this expansion, Boeing aims to increase its production rate to 10 airplanes per month in 2026, up from the current rate of seven per month.
Sources: Boeing Mediaroom
Photo Credit: Boeing
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Croatia Airlines Takes Delivery of Two Airbus A220-300s
Croatia Airlines receives its 12th and 13th A220-300s, advancing its 15-aircraft fleet renewal and nearing A319 retirement.
Croatia Airlines has taken delivery of two new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, bringing its next-generation fleet to 13 and signaling the imminent retirement of its legacy Airbus A319s.
The state-owned flag carrier announced the double delivery in an October 5, 2026, press release, marking a critical milestone in its 15-aircraft fleet renewal program. The aircraft arrived at Zagreb Airport (ZAG) from the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada, over consecutive days.
Double delivery accelerates fleet modernization
The two new Airbus A220-300s departed the Airbus manufacturing facility in Mirabel (YMX) on October 1 and October 2, 2026. According to flight routing details from AvioRadar, both aircraft transited through Copenhagen Airport (CPH) before touching down in Zagreb on October 2 and October 3, respectively.
Continuing the airline’s tradition of naming its aircraft after Croatian cities, the 12th fleet addition (registration 9A-CAW) is named “Karlovac,” while the 13th (registration 9A-CAX) is named “Sisak.” The newly delivered A220-300s are configured with a passenger seat capacity of 149. The carrier’s active A220 fleet now consists of 11 A220-300s and two smaller A220-100s, which seat 127 passengers, according to EX-YU Aviation News.
Phasing out legacy Airbus and turboprop operations
The arrival of the new airframes coincides with the final stages of Croatia Airlines’ transition to a single-type fleet. The airline is currently retiring its older Airbus A319s to make way for the A220s. EX-YU Aviation News reported that the final commercial flights for the A319 are tentatively scheduled for October 11, 2026, with one final rotation from Zagreb to Split, Rome, Split, and back to Zagreb planned for October 23, 2026.
This transition follows the retirement of the carrier’s last Airbus A320 earlier in the year. The final A320, registered as 9A-CTO, was withdrawn from service on January 26, 2026, concluding nearly three decades of operations for the type at the airline.
The fleet modernization program also extends to the carrier’s regional operations. The airline expects to withdraw its remaining De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops by March 2027.
Completing the 15-aircraft order
Croatia Airlines is undertaking the largest fleet renewal project in its history, utilizing the Airbus A220 to modernize its operations. Designed specifically for the 100-150 seat market, the A220 provides the carrier with significant improvements in fuel efficiency and noise reduction compared to its previous-generation aircraft.
The airline expects to take delivery of its 14th Airbus A220 by the end of 2026. The 15th and final aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2027, which will complete the fleet renewal program. According to EX-YU Aviation News, the final two aircraft are expected to be named “Varaždin” and “Vinkovci.”
Photo Credit: Croatia Airlines
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
ACG Delivers Sixth Boeing 737-8 to Royal Air Maroc
Aviation Capital Group completes a six-aircraft Boeing 737-8 lease with Royal Air Maroc, supporting the airline’s Vision 2037 fleet expansion.
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) has completed a six-aircraft lease transaction with Compagnie Nationale Royal Air Maroc, delivering the final Boeing 737-8 to the Moroccan flag carrier on October 5, 2026.
The handover concludes an orderbook commitment initiated in March 2026, with all six CFM LEAP-1B-powered narrowbodies delivered within a six-month window. Announced in a press release by the Newport Beach, California-based lessor, the transaction provides immediate capacity for Royal Air Maroc as the airline executes a government-backed fleet expansion strategy ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Executing the six-aircraft commitment
The delivery sequence began on March 31, 2026, when ACG announced the handover of the first Boeing 737-8 to Royal Air Maroc. Meeting the delivery schedule required coordination between the lessor, the airline, and The Boeing Company to ensure all six airframes entered service efficiently.
Carter A. White, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of ACG, highlighted the operational coordination required to meet the timeline.
“With this latest delivery, ACG marks the addition of the sixth 737-8 to Royal Air Maroc’s fleet in six months, a fantastic achievement by everyone involved,” White said in a statement. “We are proud to support the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal and expansion plans and wish the Royal Air Maroc team every success with these new aircraft.”
The transaction adds to the portfolio of ACG, a global full-service aircraft asset manager founded in 1989 and operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation. As of June 30, 2026, the lessor managed, owned, or had commitments for approximately 500 aircraft. These assets are distributed across roughly 85 airlines in about 50 countries.
Royal Air Maroc’s Vision 2037 expansion
The six leased Boeing 737-8 aircraft serve as a capacity bridge for Royal Air Maroc as it pursues a long-term growth mandate under the leadership of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Abdelhamid Addou. Based at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, the national carrier is operating under a government-backed development program dubbed “Vision 2037,” which was signed in July 2023. The airline is tasked with quadrupling its fleet size to support Morocco’s tourism targets. The country aims to attract 26 million visitors by 2030, the year it will co-host the FIFA World Cup.
According to reporting by Le360, Royal Air Maroc operated approximately 50 aircraft in 2021. The airline reached a fleet size of 70 aircraft in late September 2026 following the delivery of another Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as CN-RHS. The carrier targets a total fleet of 74 aircraft by the end of 2026 and 88 aircraft by 2027, with an ultimate goal of 200 aircraft by 2037.
To secure the necessary airframes for the 2037 target, Royal Air Maroc launched a tender in April 2024 to acquire up to 200 aircraft directly from major manufacturers. While the airline evaluates those long-term procurement options, leasing agreements provide the short- and medium-term lift required to maintain network growth.
The capacity additions are already supporting new route development. Aviation Week reported that Royal Air Maroc has actively expanded its network throughout 2026. This expansion included the launch of a direct route from Casablanca to Los Angeles in June 2026 utilizing Boeing 787 aircraft, alongside planned frequency increases to destinations across Europe and Africa.
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
FAA Clears Boeing 737 MAX 10 Certification After FMS Review
The FAA ruled a 737 MAX flight management system anomaly is not a safety risk, resuming MAX 10 certification.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that a flight management system software anomaly on certain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not constitute a safety-of-flight risk, clearing a critical regulatory hurdle for the certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10. The decision, reached on October 2, 2026, by the agency’s Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) in Seattle, Washington, resolves a review that had temporarily paused the MAX 10 certification process earlier in the week.
According to Reuters, the ruling also alleviates operational compliance concerns for airlines flying the recently certified Boeing 737 MAX 7, which utilizes the same software version. The FAA paused the certification process for the MAX 10 during the week of September 28, 2026, to allow the CARB to complete a thorough analysis of the software behavior.
Flight management system anomaly details
The software glitch affects the flight management system (FMS) software versions U14 and U14.1, which are supplied to Boeing by GE Aerospace. According to technical details reported by Bloomberg via the Japan Times, the anomaly can cause the vertical navigation (VNAV) mode to disengage during a go-around or missed approach if the flight crew modifies the preprogrammed route. This disengagement forces the autopilot into a simpler level of automation for pitch control, subsequently increasing crew workload during a critical phase of flight.
Pilots at WestJet Airlines Ltd. first identified the software anomaly in 2024 during an entry-into-service validation flight and subsequently reported the behavior to Boeing. Despite the technical fault, the issue has not manifested during standard commercial flights. In an internal staff memo reviewed by Reuters, WestJet noted that the airline “has received no reports of this condition occurring during normal line operations.”
The FAA ultimately concluded that the software behavior does not cross the threshold into a safety-of-flight issue. In a statement provided to Aviation Week, the regulator explained that the CARB reached its determination because flight crews maintain full control of the aircraft, and the system indications presented to the pilots remain “clear and unambiguous.”
Operator impact and fleet status
The FAA certified the Boeing 737 MAX 7 in August 2026 with the affected FMS software installed. Following that certification, Boeing formally notified operators of the potential VNAV disengagement issue. The CARB’s October 2, 2026, determination ensures that the MAX 7 can continue operations without immediate regulatory intervention or grounding orders.
However, the presence of the software has influenced fleet planning for major US carriers. According to reporting by Bloomberg News via TradingView, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have all confirmed that their active fleets do not utilize the faulty software versions. Furthermore, United Airlines has stated it is not accepting new aircraft equipped with the affected FMS software.
To manage the issue across the broader industry, the FAA is expected to issue a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) in October 2026. The bulletin will formally notify US carriers and foreign aviation regulators regarding the technical specifics of the anomaly and the recommended operational procedures.
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 certification path
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest variant of the manufacturer’s best-selling narrowbody commercial aircraft family. The programme has faced years of certification delays, making the recent regulatory pause a point of significant concern for the aerospace manufacturer. The MAX 10 is critical to Boeing’s long-term production plans and future cash generation.
Boeing currently holds more than 1,500 orders for the MAX 10 variant. With the CARB determination removing the immediate regulatory roadblock, the FAA can resume the certification process. Concurrently, Boeing is developing a permanent software update to address the FMS anomaly, though a specific timeline for the deployment of that patch has not been officially released.
AirPro News analysis
We note that while the FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board has removed the immediate regulatory roadblock for the Boeing 737 MAX 10, a commercial disconnect remains. The regulatory determination that the software is safe for flight does not automatically translate to operator acceptance, as evidenced by United Airlines declining deliveries of aircraft equipped with the current software version. Until Boeing finalizes and deploys its permanent software patch, the manufacturer may face a backlog of completed airframes that airlines are unwilling to induct into their active fleets, potentially delaying the financial benefits of the MAX 10’s eventual certification.
Photo Credit: Boeing
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