Boeing has announced plans to increase production of its 737 MAX jets, aiming for 38 aircraft per month, with a strong focus on safety.
Boeing Increasing Production
This update comes after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a production cap following a mid-air panel blowout incident in January 2024.
Boeing is now producing as many 737 MAX aircraft as legally allowed under the cap—38 jets per month, essentially double its current output—for at least the next few months.
After stabilizing production at this rate, Boeing plans to request that the cap be lifted. The company also intends to add a fourth production line once it consistently meets quality and output goals, with the long-term goal of tripling production by 2027.
Boeing’s Troubles
In 2024, Boeing notoriously faced several setbacks, including quality issues, supplier delays, and a strike, leading to inconsistent production and financial losses of almost $12 billion.
To address these issues, Boeing implemented a comprehensive Safety & Quality Plan focusing on simplifying its manufacturing processes, and introduced machine learning to identify and resolve supply chain issues before they escalate.
Safety Culture
Boeing has also put stricter quality controls in place to minimize defects and expanded its training programs to improve worker skills and raise safety awareness.
In just a year, these efforts have already led to a 220% increase in safety concerns reported by employees through Boeing’s new Speak Up reporting system, showing that workers are more engaged, willing, and comfortable enough to raise concerns.
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