Boeing receives FAA approval to increase 737 MAX production to 42 jets per month

“FAA safety inspectors conducted extensive reviews of Boeing’s production lines to ensure that this small production rate increase will be done safely.”

Boeing is planning to increase production in stages, with each step involving an additional five aircraft per month. Each increase will be subject to a safety and quality review by the FAA. Boeing’s CEO Kelly Ortberg told analysts that the company expects about six months between each production rate increase. Preparations for higher output have included installing new equipment at Boeing’s Seattle-area factories.

At the current rate of 38 jets per month, Boeing produces about 450 737 MAX aircraft annually, which is below its target of 50 per month or roughly 600 per year. If the new rate of 42 jets per month is maintained for a full year, the company would produce approximately 504 aircraft annually. According to Bloomberg, Boeing is preparing to further increase production in April and again toward the end of 2026, potentially reaching 53 aircraft per month by the end of next year.

While the 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 have been in service since 2017 and 2018 respectively, the certification of the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 has been delayed until at least 2026. The delay is mainly due to the need for a redesign of the engine anti-ice system. The 737 MAX 10 is especially anticipated by airlines seeking to improve operations and reduce costs at busy airports. Major carriers such as United Airlines, Ryanair, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Akasa, and Pegasus have each ordered more than 100 of the MAX 10, while others like Alaska Airlines, Lion Air, Air India Express, and WestJet have placed orders for around 50 each.