VIRGINIA– Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has unveiled plans to increase production of the 737 MAX in response to rising demand. The company’s objective is to achieve a production rate of 42 aircraft per month in the near future, with a target of reaching 47 by early 2026.
This initiative comes after a recent improvement in quality and advancements in regulatory approvals. Boeing is focused on stabilizing its financial performance as it recovers from previous production challenges and financial losses.
Boeing is currently working to stabilize its 737 MAX production rate at 38 aircraft per month, a limit set by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2024 following a safety incident in midair.
Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg underscored the necessity of raising output to 42 jets per month soon, aiming to be prepared for a production rate of 47 aircraft by late 2025, correcting his earlier statement about achieving that target by the end of this year.
Ortberg noted a 30% decline in production defects, acknowledging improvements in customer satisfaction at delivery.
“Virtually every one of our customers is reporting a higher quality of airplane,” he said.
As reported by Reuters, these enhancements in quality assurance are part of Boeing’s broader strategy to restore trust and reliability in its manufacturing practices.
The financial viability of Boeing is closely linked to its production volumes. The company faced a cash burn of $2.3 billion in the first quarter but anticipates turning cash positive in the latter half of the year.
Ortberg reiterated that improvements in financial performance will follow enhancements in production.
Certification Efforts
Boeing is making progress in certifying the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 models, which have experienced delays, particularly concerning the engine de-icing system.
Critical testing is expected to conclude by July, with certification aimed for later this year.
This achievement is crucial in fulfilling the nearly 1,200 orders for the MAX 10 and 332 orders for the MAX 7.
The MAX family of jets is pivotal to Boeing’s commercial strategy, providing fuel efficiency and versatility for short to medium-haul flights.
Global Market Outlook
Boeing anticipates that Chinese airlines will resume aircraft deliveries in June, after a suspension in April.
The pause was reportedly due to US trade tariffs imposed during the preceding administration.
Ortberg estimates that the financial repercussions of this halt will remain under $500 million, a manageable amount given Boeing’s extensive order book and global market demand.
The reopening of the Chinese market represents an essential revenue source and may further bolster Boeing’s plans for increased production, particularly as global travel resumes.
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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
