The National Labor Relations Board’s lawsuit against Boeing, an action triggered by the company’s decision to build its new production line in right-to-work South Carolina instead of its unionized home of Washington state, is “meritless” and “baseless,” the company’s new South Carolina lobbyist said Monday following an appearance at the Columbia Rotary Club.

The NLRB sued Boeing, saying the company built its second production line in South Carolina in retaliation against unions. Boeing has denied that claim. But, John Moloney, now the company’s senior director for state and local government here, offered no other insight into the progress of the suit, saying the company is not commenting because the issue is still in litigation.

Moloney, who previously served as the company’s Director of Legislative Affairs in Washington, D.C., said the company’s new 787 Dreamliner was a “game-changer” in the industry. A new composite high-tech plastic fuselage makes the plane lighter than the aircraft it will replace, saving airlines fuel. It also promises passengers more comfort with features such as bigger windows and larger luggage bins.

Boeing last month rolled out the first 787 in Washington to All Nippon Airways. Moloney said the first plane will be completed in its North Charleston plant some time in 2012.

Boeing has more than 800 orders for the wide-body plane that will compete with the French-built Airbus A350, Moloney said. Moloney was named to his present post in March. He is responsible for leading all of the company’s state and local political activities as well as developing Boeing’s legislative strategy in South Carolina.

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