Boeing executives have confirmed that the certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 7, MAX 10, and 777X will be a primary focus for the company in 2025. Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s CEO, emphasized the importance of sticking to previously outlined timelines for these certifications.
“On the 737-7 and 737-10, we’re still working through the testing phase, focused on finalizing the icing design solution, which we plan to include in the certification program,” Ortberg stated. The company is also preparing for a leadership change at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with Mike Whitaker stepping down as administrator.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has a new leader, Sean Duffy, who took office on January 28. During a Senate hearing before his confirmation vote, Duffy expressed plans to meet with Boeing’s leadership to ensure accountability for safety measures following an incident involving Alaska Airlines.
Duffy intends to maintain a production cap of 38 aircraft per month on the 737 MAX program until Boeing demonstrates improved quality standards. Meanwhile, Ortberg noted progress with resolving issues affecting the 777X flight tests. The plane resumed testing after addressing a thrust link problem that had halted operations since August 2024.
Brian West, Boeing’s CFO, mentioned plans to increase production rates above the current cap later in 2025. As of January, monthly production was in the low to mid-20s range. West indicated that Boeing aims to achieve higher production rates in the second half of the year.
Ortberg highlighted six key performance indicators (KPIs) necessary for lifting production caps: notice of escape hours (NoE), part shortages, employee proficiency, rework by line, traveled work at rollout, and ticketing performance. He acknowledged Spirit AeroSystems’ contributions during a strike and noted improvements in fuselage quality and flow.
Despite these efforts, West admitted that Boeing Commercial Airplane’s margins will remain negative in 2025 due to pressures from agreements with machinists represented by IAM. BCA ended 2024 with revenues of $22.8 billion while company-wide revenues fell to $66.5 billion resulting in an $11.8 billion net loss.
