Boeing has marked a historic milestone, with delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner built at its North Charleston facility to Air India. 

The delivery continues the momentum of the 787 Dreamliner’s entry into revenue service by customers globally and marks the beginning of a new era of commercial airplane production in South Carolina.

“Within just three years of breaking ground, we have flown and delivered our first airplane built at Boeing South Carolina,” said Jack Jones, vice president and general manager, Boeing South Carolina.

“This is a tribute to the remarkable Boeing South Carolina team and the support we have received from our airline customers, our supplier partners and the Boeing enterprise, as well as the relationship we have with the State of South Carolina.”

Work on the Boeing South Carolina Final Assembly and Delivery Center began in November 2009.

Production of the first South Carolina-built 787 began in mid-2011 and the completed airplane rolled out of the factory in April.

Boeing South Carolina fabricates, integrates and assembles the mid-body and aftbody fuselage sections for all 787 Dreamliners.

Completed sections are joined in South Carolina Final Assembly, or transported via the Dreamlifter to 787 Final Assembly in Everett, Wash.

“We are delighted to be the first airline in the world to take delivery of a Dreamliner from this beautiful factory and look forward to taking many more,” said Air India board member KM Unni.

“The 787 is an airplane with unmatched efficiency and technology, which will help in our airline’s turnaround plan.”