Boeing Commercial Airplanes is raising the production rate for its 737 MAX series aircraft, from 31 jets to 38 jets per month. The decision has been expected for several months, as Boeing continues to record high demand for the narrow-body aircraft from airlines expanding or updating their fleets.
The expansion will be complete by the end of 2023, the jet builder indicated as it released its 2Q 2023 results. "We are well positioned to meet the operational and financial goals we set for this year and for the long term," according to Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun. The business recorded 2Q revenue of $19.8 billion, which it attributed to increased deliveries of commercial aircraft - with136 deliveries of all jet types during the quarter.
The 737 MAX program has endured supply problems during recent months, notably including some defective structural components.
"While we have more work ahead, we are making progress in our recovery and driving stability in our factories and the supply chain to meet our customer commitments," Calhoun said. "With demand strong, we’re steadily increasing our production rates across key programs and growing investments in our people, products and technologies."
The twin-engine 737 MAX is Boeing’s top-selling jet series, and one of the best-selling aircraft in the world. Boeing has drawn more than 5,500 orders for all variants of the 737 MAX since it was announced in 2011, and it has a current backlog for more than 4,900 jets.
In its 2Q statement Boeing reiterated its forecast to deliver at least 400 737 MAX aircraft this year, as well as 70 787 Dreamliner long-range aircraft.
