Boeing targets 63 monthly 737 MAX jets, but Renton wing production lags
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Boeing is stabilizing 737 MAX production at 47 aircraft per month, but the transition from 42 has taken longer than planned due to wing manufacturing constraints at its Renton facility. CEO Kelly Ortberg said on September 16 that the company aims to reach 52 monthly jets after stabilizing at 47, with a longer-term goal of 63. The 737-10 certification is nearing completion, with flight and ground tests finished and FAA documentation underway.
Key Facts
- Boeing is currently producing 47 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft per month, up from 42, but the transition took longer than planned.
- Wing production at Boeing's Renton, Washington, facility is the main bottleneck preventing a stable 47-per-month rate.
- Boeing plans to increase production to 52 aircraft per month after stabilizing at 47, with a longer-term goal of 63 monthly jets.
- The Boeing 737-10 has completed required flight and ground tests, and Boeing is now preparing documentation for FAA certification.
- CEO Kelly Ortberg made the production remarks on September 16, according to Reuters.
Production Bottleneck
Boeing's Renton, Washington, plant manufactures wings for the 737 MAX, but the wing production line has not kept pace with the rest of the aircraft assembly. CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged that the move from 42 to 47 aircraft per month took longer than the company had planned. While the broader 737 MAX supply chain is described as being in good shape, Boeing has not achieved the expected improvement in the flow of wings through Renton. The production challenge comes as Boeing attempts to rebuild its commercial aircraft manufacturing system after years of disruptions and regulatory restrictions.
Output Targets
After stabilizing production at 47 aircraft per month, Boeing plans to transition to 52 monthly jets. In the longer term, the company is considering increasing production of the entire 737 family to 63 aircraft per month. Boeing has not provided a specific timeline for reaching the 52 or 63 monthly rates.
737-10 Certification
The Boeing 737-10 program is nearing the end of its certification process. According to Ortberg, the required flight and ground tests have already been completed. Boeing is now preparing documentation to obtain the certificate from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company expects the certification process to be completed 'very soon.'
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