Boeing Targets Record 737 Production Rate of at Least 57 per Month by 2025

Boeing is setting ambitious goals for its popular 737 narrowbody jet production, aiming to reach a record rate of at least 57 per month by July 2025. This target surpasses the previously announced goal of 50 per month, reflecting Boeing’s optimism about the demand for its 737 family of aircraft.

The 737 family, including the 737 MAX and earlier models used for military purposes, is a significant revenue and profit generator for Boeing. The program faced substantial challenges, including a nearly two-year halt in deliveries of the 737 MAX due to two fatal crashes. These incidents led to a worldwide grounding of the aircraft in March 2019. Boeing resumed deliveries of the 737 MAX in December 2020 after implementing regulatory approvals, software updates, and enhanced training programs.

Boeing’s CEO, Dave Calhoun, has expressed confidence in the recovery of the 737 program and the continued demand for the aircraft in the post-pandemic market. He has even mentioned the desire to increase deliveries to 60 per month, indicating strong market potential. Boeing has secured significant orders for the 737 MAX this year, including substantial agreements with Southwest Airlines and Air India.

The production ramp-up plan has been detailed in Boeing’s latest schedule for suppliers, which was reaffirmed by the company in mid-September. The schedule outlines a gradual increase in production rates, reaching 42 jets per month by December 2023, 47.2 jets per month by June 2024, and 52.5 jets per month by December 2024, eventually stabilizing at 57.7 jets per month by July 2025.

This move by Boeing is in line with the competition, as rival Airbus is also increasing the production rate of its A320neo family of single-aisle aircraft, directly competing with Boeing’s 737. Airbus aims to produce 65 A320neo jets per month by the end of 2024 and further increase to 75 per month by 2026. Both aerospace giants are gearing up to meet the rising demand for narrowbody aircraft in the coming years.

aviacionline.com, aerotime.aero