South Carolina’s Emerging Aeronautical Industry

July 31st, 2007: Rotarians received an update on the progress of the entities involved in the Aeronautical Manufacturing Operations in North Charleston by Charles J. Jenkins, the 787 Division HR Director for Vought Aircraft Industries, which is headquartered in Dallas, TX. Jenkins is extremely knowledgeable about its operations, as he is responsible for supporting sites in Charleston, Dallas, and Washington. The 90-year-old company is owned by the Carlyle Group. It has been involved with Boeing since 1966 when it assisted in the production of the 747.

The North Charleston location is primarily focused on the design and building of Sections 47 and 48, which are the aft fuselage Sections for the Boeing 787-8. Global Aeronautical, a joint venture between Vought and Alenia, is headquartered here and has systems and assembly responsibility for fuselage sections delivered globally. The progress of construction, production, and results of the venture are nothing short of phenomenal. It was not until March 2004 that the site was selected and the facilities completed in record time. Additional construction continues even today as the facility currently grows and expands. It employs 190 people. That number is predicted to grow to about 240 by year-end and 450 or more by the end of 2011.

Jenkins explained that the facility is not only “state of the art” manufacturing, but it also constructs the most advanced commercial aircraft with much of its capabilities drawn from stealth technology that we see in our military aircraft. The advanced design of the aircraft will not only help it operate more efficiently, but will also help put pleasure back into air travel by offering more head room, larger windows, and very importantly, better seating options (wider seats and aisles). It provides its passenger a quieter flight and even has less noise for those in areas it flies over.

According to Jenkins, on July 8th the employees of the North Charleston facility joined with other employees worldwide to celebrate the Premier of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The choice of 7/8/07 was a very apt date for celebration.

The birth and growth of the Aeronautical Industry in the area has brought with it many “firsts”. Vought uses the world’s largest autoclave as well as the world’s largest cargo loader, which moves the fuselage sections in the manufacturing facility and especially to the Boeing Dreamlifter, which is a 747 customized for the unique job of transporting the Sections.

The prospects for Vought and its partners are very bright, because the current metal-bodied planes we now ride in will be replaced by carbon-fiber aircraft in the future. The Charleston work force is uniquely positioned to provide the labor and expertise to enable Boeing, and its partner that produce aerostructures, to continue to expand the Dreamliner 787 Series. With Boeing’s strategic decision to become an aircraft designer and assembler, rather than a manufacturer, has resulted in an excellent opportunity for jobs and a solid presence in the aerospace industry in South Carolina. The Charleston area should play an increasing role in the building of the Dream.

Submitted by Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee