Boeing is projected to boost its 737 MAX production significantly by 2025, according to the company's CEO's assertions.
United States aviation authorities have given Boeing permission to increase production of the 787 Dreamliner aircraft, prompting the company's CEO, Kelly Ortberg, to suggest that a similar boost in the production of the 737 MAX could be on the horizon.
Speaking at a financial conference, Ortberg expressed optimism that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would grant approval for Boeing to raise the 737 MAX production rate to 42 aircraft per month in the near future. This increase is contingent on meeting certain regulatory requirements and maintaining operational stability, he added.
If approved, this increase could pave the way for another upsurge in production to 47 aircraft per month by the end of 2025, according to Ortberg. However, Boeing would not begin producing at this higher rate until a later date, he clarified.
The FAA's recent decision to allow Boeing to produce seven 787 Dreamliner planes per month—up from the previous five—indicates a positive trend, Ortberg stated. Appraising that this increase was the result of "improved production processes," he said that Boeing was on track to meet regulatory compliance.
The FAA imposed a cap of 38 737 MAX planes per month following a mid-air incident on an Alaska Airlines plane in January 2024. This restriction was put in place to ensure quality and safety standards were maintained as the company addressed regulatory concerns and stabilized production.
Boeing's focus on the 737 MAX remains strong due to robust market demand and substantial order backlogs stretching through the end of the decade, sources indicate. Additionally, Boeing is planning to increase production rates for other aircraft programs, such as the 787 and the 777X, as it navigates certification hurdles.
Although Boeing is aiming for production increases, the company will need to overcome regulatory hurdles and continue to prioritize safety and quality control in order to achieve its objectives.
The CEO of Boeing, Kelly Ortberg, indicated at a financial conference that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) might approve an increase in production rate of the 737 MAX to 42 aircraft per month, similar to the recent rise in 787 Dreamliner production. This increase could further escalate to 47 aircraft per month by the end of 2025, as suggested by Ortberg.
