Boeing’s North Charleston planes selling faster than ever

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The North Charleston-based Boeing program is selling planes faster than anytime in its history, the company says, with 250 order commitments in the last six months.

The latest sales were made official today when Air India and Boeing announced a large order that includes 20 Dreamliners, with an option for 20 more, soon after Boeing and China Airlines firmed up an order for eight. Both orders were among the announcements made by Boeing from the Paris Air Show.

The Air India order is Boeing’s largest ever from southern Asia, the company said in a news release.

Boeing and Air India finalized an order for up to 290 new Boeing jets and expanded services. The order includes 190 737 MAXs, 20 of the North Charleston-based 787 Dreamliners and 10 777X jets, with options for 50 737 MAXs and 20 787 Dreamliners. Boeing and Air India have worked together for 90 years, the news release stated.

A comprehensive set of aviation services will also enable Air India to sustainably expand its operations in South Asia's rapidly growing aviation market. Over the next 20 years, south Asia is expected to more than triple its in-service fleet from 700 to 2,300 airplanes to meet passenger demand, according to Boeing.

The Boeing deal with China Airlines finalized an order for eight 787-9 Dreamliners that was previously posted to Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website as unidentified. It follows the airline's first-ever order for 16 787-9s last year. 

China Airlines also becomes the newest 787-10 customer as it converts six 787-9s to the 787-10, the largest member of the 787 family, to add flexibility and capacity on its regional network as passenger demand continues to rise above pre-pandemic levels, according to a news release from Boeing.

Boeing South Carolina is the home of the 787 Dreamliner, where crews fabricate, assemble and deliver the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 to customers all over the world. The North Charleston facilities are also home to Boeing Research & Technology, IT Center of Excellence, Propulsion Systems, Interior Responsibility Center and Engineering Design Center. The site has 300 suppliers across the state, according to the company website.

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With today’s order, China Airlines will introduce 24 of the 787s over the next several years, strengthening the airline's existing global network. The 787 enables China Airlines to reduce fuel use and emissions by 20%, which will support the airline to meet its sustainability goals, the news release said.

The 787 family is selling at the highest rate in its history, receiving more than 250 orders and commitments in the past six months.