FAA Not Considering Lifting Boeing 737 MAX Production Cap
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not currently planning to lift the production cap of 38 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft per month, according to Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau. Speaking to reporters after a U.S. House hearing, Rocheleau confirmed that the agency is maintaining strict oversight following the January 2024 mid-air incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX with missing bolts.
Rocheleau also stated there are no plans to revise the FAA’s current policy of directly inspecting all Boeing 737 MAX and 787 aircraft before issuing airworthiness certificates, rather than delegating that authority to Boeing. The FAA first imposed enhanced oversight after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people and grounded the 737 MAX fleet for 20 months.
Although the FAA recently extended Boeing’s Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) by three years, it did not grant the full five-year renewal the planemaker requested. The FAA cited the need to ensure that Boeing continues to implement required safety improvements.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has expressed confidence in the company’s ability to increase monthly 737 MAX production to 42 units, with potential future rate increases planned in five-unit increments at least six months apart, pending FAA approval.
The FAA’s cautious stance follows renewed scrutiny after the Alaska Airlines emergency and reflects ongoing concerns about Boeing’s safety and quality control processes. The agency continues to enforce stricter certification protocols in response to legislative reforms passed in 2020 aimed at improving oversight of commercial aircraft manufacturing.
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