VIRGINIA– CEO of Boeing, Kelly Ortberg, has unveiled plans to increase the production of the 737 MAX to cater to escalating demand. The company aims to achieve a rate of 42 aircraft per month shortly, with a long-term goal of reaching 47 by early 2026.
This initiative comes as Boeing experiences a rebound in quality metrics and advances in regulatory approvals. The company is focused on stabilizing its financial position as it recovers from previous production challenges and substantial cash losses.
Boeing is currently operating at a production rate of 38 737 MAX aircraft per month, a ceiling set by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2024, following a midair safety incident.
Kelly Ortberg reiterated the necessity of ramping up production to 42 jets monthly soon, clarifying that the objective of 47 aircraft readiness is set for late 2025, correcting an earlier misstatement regarding the timeline.
Reports indicate a 30% decrease in production defects, reflecting improvements in customer satisfaction upon delivery.
According to Reuters, this boost in quality assurance is crucial for Boeing’s broader strategy to regain trust and ensure reliability in its manufacturing processes.
The financial vitality of Boeing is closely linked to production levels. The company faced a cash burn of $2.3 billion in the first quarter but anticipates returning to cash-positive status in the latter half of the year.
Ortberg emphasized that improvements in financial performance will directly correlate with enhancements in production rates.
Certification Processes
Efforts to certify the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants are progressing. These models have encountered delays primarily over issues related to the engine de-icing system.
Essential testing is projected to conclude in July, with the certification process expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
Achieving this certification is critical to fulfilling the nearly 1,200 outstanding orders for the MAX 10 and 332 for the MAX 7.
The MAX series is pivotal to Boeing’s commercial strategy, known for its fuel efficiency and versatility in short to medium-haul operations.
Global Market Projections
Boeing anticipates that Chinese airlines will resume aircraft deliveries by June, following a pause instituted in April.
This suspension was reportedly linked to US trade tariffs enacted during the Trump administration.
Ortberg estimates that the financial ramifications of the hold will remain under $500 million, a manageable scenario considering Boeing’s extensive order book and the overall global demand.
The reopening of the Chinese market presents a crucial revenue opportunity and may further facilitate Boeing’s production expansion as global travel returns to pre-pandemic levels.
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Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/05/30/boeing-plans-737-max-production-increase/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=boeing-plans-737-max-production-increase
