“Today is a significant moment for all those involved in making this dream a reality,” said Vincenzo Caiazzo, chairman of the board of managers for Global Aeronautica. “In less than two years, we’ve built this facility from the ground up and are on schedule to deliver our first ship set in early 2007. That’s a tremendous accomplishment, a true international achievement, and I’d like to thank everyone who had a hand in making this possible.”
“Today’s grand opening of the Global Aeronautica facility signifies the beginning of another important chapter in South Carolina’s aerospace cluster,” said South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford. “The collaboration of two major aerospace companies, Vought and Alenia North America, that are coming together in this partnership to help build the next generation of passenger airplanes for Boeing is a major win for South Carolina in the global competition for jobs and investment. The success of this project will go a long way toward cementing our state’s spot as a global competitor and as a top location to do business.”
Global Aeronautica is a 50/50 joint venture of Alenia North America Inc. — a Finmeccanica company, and Vought Aircraft Industries Inc. Global Aeronautica will assemble, integrate, test and apply surface finishes to more than 60 percent of the 787 fuselage prior to shipment to Boeing’s final assembly facility in Everett, Wash.
Global Aeronautica will receive mid-fuselage sections from an international supply chain including Alenia Aeronautica S.p.A of Italy, Fuji Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan and Boeing-Winnipeg. In addition, it will receive aft fuselage sections from its next-door neighbor, Vought.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for commercial aviation and the aerospace industry,” said Giuseppe Giordo, president and chief executive officer of Alenia North America. “We are proud to play a primary role in what will be remembered as a truly revolutionary venture with our partners and the state of South Carolina.”
"Today we celebrate many partnerships, all focused on creating the world's most advanced commercial airplane," said Elmer Doty, president and chief executive officer of Vought. "Vought is proud to play a role in making this dream take flight."
The 334,000-square-foot facility was built on a 240-acre site adjacent to Charleston International Airport and includes 252,000 square feet of manufacturing floor. In addition, the site will include a 54,000-square-foot surface finishes building.
Groundbreaking for the North Charleston 787 site took place in February 2005. Construction began at the site on March 17 by general contractor BE&K Building Group. Global Aeronautica received its certificate of occupancy from the City of North Charleston on June 6. Operations have already begun.