VIRGINIA– Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg announced plans to ramp up production of the 737 MAX to meet growing demand. The goal is to reach 42 aircraft per month in the coming months and target 47 by early 2026.
This push follows a recent rebound in quality and progress on regulatory approvals. Boeing aims to stabilize its financial performance as it recovers from production setbacks and cash losses.
Boeing is currently stabilizing its 737 MAXproduction rate at 38 aircraft per month, a limit imposed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2024 following a midair safety incident.
Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg emphasized the importance of increasing output to 42 jets per month in the near term, with a goal of reaching readiness for 47 aircraft by late 2025, not achieving that rate by year-end as he initially misstated.
Ortberg reported a 30% reduction in production defects, citing customer satisfaction improvements at delivery.
“Virtually every one of our customers is reporting a higher quality of airplane,” he said.
According to Reuters, the enhanced quality assurance is part of Boeing’s broader push to restore trust and reliability in its manufacturing process.
The company’s financial health is closely tied to production volume. Boeing burned through $2.3 billion in cash during Q1 but expects to become cash-positive in the second half of the year. Ortberg reiterated that financial performance will follow production improvements.
Boeing is making headway on certifying the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants. These models have faced delays, particularly due to concerns about the engine de-icing system.
Critical testing is expected to be completed by July, with certification anticipated by year-end. This milestone is essential to fulfilling the nearly 1,200 orders for the MAX 10 and 332 for the MAX 7.
The MAX family of jets plays a central role in Boeing’s commercial strategy, offering fuel efficiency and flexibility for short to medium-haul operations.
Boeing also expects Chinese airlines to resume aircraft deliveries in June, following a suspension in April.
The halt was reportedly a response to US trade tariffs initiated during the Trump administration.
Ortberg estimates the financial impact of the halt will remain below $500 million, a manageable figure given Boeing’s broader order book and global demand.
The reopening of the Chinese market adds a vital revenue stream and may further support Boeing’s production scale-up, especially as global travel rebounds.
