The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to assess the monthly production cap on Boeing’s 737 MAX jets, currently limited to 38 planes per month. The agency’s head, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, confirmed this ongoing review during a press briefing on September 8, 2023. The FAA is closely supervising Boeing’s assembly line in Renton, Washington, where inspectors monitor each aircraft’s production from inception to completion.
Boeing has yet to formally request an increase in the production limit, despite recently reaching the maximum output. The company is currently focused on the ongoing certification of the 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10 variants, which are expected to clear certification soon. The production of the 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9 models continues, but the anticipated arrival of the new variants is generating significant interest from airlines.
With hundreds of orders for the 737 MAX 7 placed by Southwest Airlines, and numerous global airlines seeking the longer 737 MAX 10, Boeing faces a pressing need to ramp up production. The company has struggled to meet demand in the past, dealing with production issues that arose after the tragic crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which collectively claimed nearly 350 lives. These incidents led to a production halt and a global grounding of the aircraft until the underlying issues were addressed.
In his remarks, Bedford stated, “Progress is being made. It may not be as fast perhaps as Boeing would like, but it is as fast as we can reasonably move through the process.” He emphasized the importance of a thorough, bottom-up evaluation by the FAA team, who will recommend any adjustments to production limits based on their assessments. As of now, no recommendations for changes have been made, indicating that further work is underway.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The Boeing 737 family has a storied legacy, being the most produced commercial aircraft series globally. While the 737 MAX was designed to enhance technological capabilities, recurring quality assurance issues have resulted in setbacks for the company. Following the crashes and a subsequent merger with Spirit AeroSystems, the company is now working to address lingering concerns related to the 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10. Current challenges include engine de-icing problems and mechanical issues that could compromise passenger safety.
Boeing aims to resolve these issues by the end of this year, as the company prepares to meet the demands of its airline customers, including Emirates and United Airlines, who have placed substantial orders for the new variants. The urgency to deliver these aircraft is heightened by the backlog of orders and growing impatience from clients.
As Boeing looks ahead to 2026, it plans to conduct tabletop exercises with the FAA to showcase its crisis resolution capabilities while ensuring quality standards remain uncompromised. If successful, Boeing could not only stabilize its production of the 737 MAX but potentially regain an edge over competitor Airbus in delivery rates.
The future of Boeing’s 737 MAX production rests on the outcome of ongoing evaluations and the company’s ability to navigate regulatory requirements while meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving aviation market. The FAA’s decision on production limits will be crucial as Boeing seeks to regain confidence from its customers and the flying public.
