Boeing can hike 737 MAX production to 42 planes per month after the Federal Aviation Administration lifted a 38-plane-per-month cap that had been in place since January 2024, the company and planemaker stated on Friday.
The FAA imposed the unprecedented production cap shortly after a 2024 mid-air emergency involving a brand new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 that was lacking 4 key bolts.
The announcement is a big milestone for the U.S. planemaker, which was plunged into a security disaster following the mid-air incident.
The FAA stated on Friday its security inspectors “conducted extensive reviews of Boeing’s production lines to ensure that this small production rate increase will be done safely.”
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford referred to as Boeing CEO (*42*) Ortberg on Friday to verify the planemaker may increase the speed to 42 planes, an individual briefed on the matter stated.
Boeing plans to shortly start producing planes at a charge of 42 per month.
Boeing stated it appreciated “the work by our team, our suppliers and the FAA to ensure we are prepared to increase production with safety and quality at the forefront.”