Boeing resumes widebody production following machinists' strike

The machinists' strike was organized by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 and District W24. It concluded on November 4 when union members accepted a new contract. Workers began returning to their jobs starting November 6 with a mandatory deadline of November 12. The strike initially commenced on September 13 following the rejection of an initial tentative agreement.

On December 10, Boeing informed Simple Flying that it had resumed assembling the 737 MAX in Renton, Washington as of December 6. This information was first reported by Reuters. A Boeing representative noted that while work on the Everett-based programs would follow shortly after resuming at Renton, specific plans were implemented to evaluate risks at each stage using their Safety Management System.

Following the strike's conclusion, efforts were made to prepare tools and complete work on inventoried aircraft during the downtime. Production levels for the 737 MAX are expected to return to pre-strike levels eventually.

According to ch-aviation data, Boeing delivered nine aircraft in December so far. These included four 737 MAXs distributed among Aeromexico, GOL, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines; one each from Korean Air's fleet expansion via Vietnam Airlines; FedEx receiving its first delivery this month—a new model known as N254FE—on December tenth alone; Ethiopian Airlines taking delivery two days later marks another milestone event where they welcomed their latest addition -a previously unclaimed order originally placed by China Southern Airlines -now designated ET-BBG ferried directly into Addis Ababa Bole Airport before being rerouted due unforeseen circumstances shortly thereafter post-departure towards Dubai International Airport due emergency situation causing temporary suspension commercial services pending further notice however records indicate last month's total handover figures reached thirteen overall alongside respective year-to-date standing tally amounting three hundred eighteen versus Airbus’ six hundred forty-three counterparts according related filings submitted same period.