Boeing Clears FAA Hurdle, Plans to Ramp MAX Output to 47 Jets Monthly
BA•Boeing passed FAA approval to boost 737 MAX output from 42 to 47 jets per month within months and aims for 52 per month early next year. CEO Kelly Ortberg noted supply-chain constraints, a decade-long backlog and a 200-jet China order alongside persistent quality-control concerns.
1. FAA Approval and Production Ramp
Boeing has cleared the FAA capstone review to raise 737 MAX production from 42 to 47 jets per month, marking a key regulatory milestone. CEO Kelly Ortberg expects the ramp-up to take a few months of line stabilization before consistently hitting the new rate.
2. Expansion to 52 Jets and Long-Term Goals
A fourth 737 production line in Everett, Washington, will underpin a further increase to 52 jets per month early next year. Boeing maintains a long-term objective of 63 monthly deliveries, citing robust market demand.
3. Supply-Chain Constraints and Backlog
Ortberg acknowledged that supply-chain challenges remain a constraint but emphasized that the 737 backlog extends well into the next decade. A commitment for 200 jets from Chinese carriers underscores strong future order visibility.
4. Quality-Control Scrutiny
Investigative findings of recent manufacturing errors have spotlighted quality-control risks, reinforcing Boeing’s caution in scaling production. The company must balance speed with stringent safety and manufacturing standards before regaining its pre-crisis rate of 57 jets per month.
