Boeing’s CEO has announced that the airline is currently unable to stabilise production of the Boeing 737 MAX jet at a rate of 47 aircraft per month. This is due to delays in production at Boeing’s wing manufacturing facility in Renton, in Washington State. Demand for the 737 MAX remains strong however, with the Lufthansa Group having announced an order for 20 jets on Thursday Sep. 17, and an expansion of production at Boeing’s Everett Factory planned for next year.
Why is Production Delayed?
Earlier this month, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Boeing’s request to increase its rate of production for the 737 MAX from 42 jets a month to 47.
Boeing’s CEO Kelly Ortberg has now said that: “we are not stable yet at 47 a month.”
Ortberg was speaking at the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference in Dana Point, California.
She attributed Boeing’s production issues to delays with the internal supply chain at the manufacturer’s wing manufacturing facility in Renton.
Ortberg also clarified that Boeing’s external engine supply chain was not to blame for any of the delays.
The supply chain of General Electric GE9X turbo engines has been considered a key driver of delays in the production of the Boeing 777X.
The Future of the 737 MAX
Despite the manufacturer’s current production issues, Ortberg is confident that Boeing can reach a consistent rate of production at 52 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at some time next year.
She has however said that this would require an expansion of operations at Boeing’s Everett Factory in Washington State.
The facility is currently being used for the construction of two Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft. Boeing will however need to prove to the FAA that the Everett Factory meets safety and efficiency regulations, before production there can be significantly increased.
Despite the delays, demand among airlines for the 737 MAX has been relatively strong.
Over 500 orders were placed for Boeing 737 MAX jets in 2025, and the Lufthansa Group announced an order of 20 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets on Thursday Sep. 17.
Have you flown on a Boeing 737 MAX recently? Do you think Boeing’s production can meet demand? Let us know in the comments.
