FAA, Boeing to Hold Drills Before 737 Max Cap Lift

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to conduct tabletop exercises with Boeing before considering lifting the current cap on 737 MAX production. The cap, set at 38 aircraft per month, was imposed after a January 2024 mid-air incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737-9 raised concerns over safety and quality controls.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told Reuters that the exercises will simulate scenarios Boeing could face if it ramps up production, with the goal of ensuring the manufacturer maintains quality standards while meeting higher output targets. “It would make sense to start to develop the process by which we would entertain a rate increase conversation,” Bedford said, adding that the FAA aims to finalize the drills by the end of September.

While Boeing has not yet formally requested an increase, the company has signaled its intent to seek FAA approval in the coming months. CEO Kelly Ortberg said during a second-quarter earnings call that Boeing will continue using agreed performance indicators with the FAA to monitor production health. He added the company expects to be in a position to request an increase to 42 aircraft per month soon.

The FAA emphasized that any decision will depend on Boeing’s demonstrated ability to sustain progress on safety and quality. The planned drills mark a proactive step in preparing both the regulator and manufacturer for a potential production ramp-up, ensuring lessons from past safety lapses are fully integrated into the process.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com

Tags: chaviation

FAA, Boeing to Hold Drills Before 737 Max Cap Lift

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