FAA Approves Boeing to Ramp Up 737 Max Production Nearly Two Years After Crisis: What You Need to Know

Boeing is making strides to boost production of its popular 737 Max jetliners, recently gaining approval to increase output to 42 jets a month. This marks a significant milestone nearly two years after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limited production due to safety concerns following a near-disaster involving Alaska Airlines.

In January 2024, the FAA restricted Boeing to a maximum of 38 jets monthly when an improperly secured door plug blew off a 737 Max 9 during takeoff. Although the plane landed safely, the incident put Boeing back in crisis mode just as it was expecting a recovery.

The FAA has committed to overseeing Boeing’s production processes closely to ensure safety remains a top priority. In a statement, the agency assured thorough reviews of Boeing’s production lines.

Boeing is optimistic about this uptick. The company is coordinating with its suppliers to make this production increase happen. CEO Kelly Ortberg, appointed to stabilize Boeing after years of troubles, expressed confidence in his plans. He anticipates further boosts to production rates in the near future.

Historically, the 737 Max program suffered immensely after two tragic crashes in 2018 and 2019, which claimed 346 lives and led to the aircraft being grounded for almost two years. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and a labor strike further compounded these problems, resulting in Boeing not reporting a profit since 2018. Yet, despite these setbacks, the company is on track for its highest rate of plane deliveries since then.

As Boeing prepares for its upcoming quarterly results on October 29, industry experts emphasize the importance of this production increase. It not only helps financial recovery but also re-establishes trust with customers after a rocky few years.

For anyone interested in aviation, these developments hint at the potential for recovery in an industry hit hard by crises. It’s a reminder of how safety and quality standards are crucial in aviation, impacting both manufacturers and the flying public.

For more insights on the aviation sector, check out reports from sources like the FAA or trusted news outlets.



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