Boeing Struggles with 737 MAX Production at 47 Jets Per Month
Boeing's efforts to stabilize production of its 737 MAX aircraft at a rate of 47 jets per month are taking longer than expected, according to CEO Kelly Ortberg.
Speaking at the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference on Wednesday, Ortberg acknowledged that Boeing is still working to achieve consistent production at this higher rate. The company had received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier in the year to increase 737 production from 42 to 47 aircraft per month.
The main constraint on production is not external supply chain issues, such as engine availability or supplier performance, but rather Boeing's own wing manufacturing operation in Renton, Washington. According to Ortberg, Boeing has not achieved the planned improvements in production flow at this facility as quickly as expected.
To improve wing output and reach a stable rate of 47 aircraft per month, Boeing has identified several actions it intends to take. However, these efforts are being hindered by slower-than-expected progress in Renton's production flow.