Boeing Nears Steady Pace for 737 MAX Output

Boeing is on the cusp of stabilizing its 737 MAX production at 38 aircraft per month, a long-term goal for the planemaker, according to Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Quality Doug Ackerman. Speaking to journalists on May 20, 2025, Ackerman said Boeing expects to reach and maintain that production rate “over the next couple of months,” aligning with internal targets and regulatory requirements. Industry sources told Reuters that the company is on track to deliver roughly 38 jets by the end of May, reflecting significant progress after months of ramp-up hurdles.

The Federal Aviation Administration imposed the 38-plane-per-month cap following a January 5, 2024, incident in which a door plug detached from an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 shortly after takeoff. In the wake of the event, the FAA increased its presence on Boeing’s production floors, launched a comprehensive audit of the assembly line and mandated a corrective action plan to address quality control deficiencies. The cap, designed to give regulators time to verify Boeing’s manufacturing improvements, has constrained the company’s ability to meet global airline demand for its best-selling single-aisle twinjet.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged on April 23, 2025, that the company had endured “difficulties of the past” but said early indicators suggest that recovery efforts are bearing fruit. “We continue to execute our plan, are seeing early positive results and remain committed to making the fundamental changes needed to fully recover the company’s performance while navigating the current environment,” Ortberg said during the company’s first-quarter earnings call. His remarks underscored the importance of balancing production stability with the rigorous safety and quality standards demanded by customers and regulators alike.

On May 21, Boeing released its annual Chief Aerospace Safety Officer Report, highlighting a 220 percent jump in reports submitted through its internal Speak Up tool between 2023 and 2024. Julie Brightwell, 737 Chief Project Engineer, praised the surge in employee submissions. “We’ve received a large increase in Speak Up submittals recently, and we encourage that. It means our teammates are more comfortable raising issues, and it helps Boeing become a more transparent workplace,” she said. The emphasis on frontline feedback reflects Boeing’s broader cultural shift toward greater accountability and openness in its manufacturing practices.

Analysts view the impending production stabilization as critical for Boeing to regain momentum with airline customers grappling with capacity shortages. Carriers have placed record orders for the 737 MAX family to support growth in both domestic and international markets, and any production delays risk disrupting route expansion plans. By demonstrating consistent output at the FAA-approved level, Boeing aims to satisfy backlog commitments and reassure lessees and operators that they can rely on timely deliveries.

While the FAA has not indicated when it may revisit the production cap, Boeing’s anticipated achievement of 38 monthly jets will serve as a key benchmark for regulators assessing the planemaker’s corrective measures. Behind the scenes, Boeing continues to invest in improved tooling, advanced inspection systems and enhanced training programs for assembly personnel. These initiatives, combined with the inflow of safety reports, suggest the company is gradually rebuilding trust in its production systems.

As Boeing moves closer to its production targets, its leadership will be under pressure to sustain quality improvements and prevent recurring issues. The ability to meet customer demand without compromising safety will define the company’s trajectory in the competitive single-aisle market, where Airbus remains a formidable rival. For now, the restoration of 737 MAX output to the planned 38-aircraft pace offers a promising sign that Boeing’s long, arduous recovery journey is finally gaining firm footing.

Tags: Aerotime

Boeing Nears Steady Pace for 737 MAX Output

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