Boeing Slowly Ramps Up 737 MAX Production After Strike
Since the seven-week strike at Boeing’s U.S. plane factories ended, the company has made slow progress in ramping up production of its best-selling 737 MAX jet. Safety inspectors have laboriously scoured half-constructed planes for flaws, while other workers have restored their expired safety licenses by pouring over manuals.
As a result, no new 737 MAX plane has been completed. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and quality, particularly in light of the recent mid-air panel blowout on a near-new 737 MAX.
Despite criticism that Boeing has historically rushed production, the company’s cautious approach has garnered praise from regulators and some airline CEOs. However, it has also created uncertainty in the supply chain, as smaller suppliers who cut jobs or operating hours during the strike hesitate to staff up again.
Boeing restarted MAX production last week, with plans to produce 15 to 20 jets this month. However, the company’s suppliers are still struggling to recover from the strike, and some are unsure whether Boeing will need to change its production plans again.
The Boeing spokesperson said the company will continue to steadily increase production as it executes its safety and quality plan and works to meet the expectations of regulators and customers. However, the company’s cautious approach has also led to skepticism among suppliers, with some hesitant to invest in new equipment and staff before seeing a steady increase in production.
The restart of MAX production is a significant step forward for Boeing, but it is still uncertain when the company will return to its pre-strike production levels. The Boeing spokesperson did not comment on the company’s plans for the future, but sources suggest that the company may not hit its target of 38 737 jets per month by the end of the year.
Despite the challenges, Boeing remains committed to prioritizing safety and quality, and regulators are praising the company’s efforts. However, the company’s suppliers are still struggling to recover from the strike, and it will likely take time for Boeing to return to its pre-strike production levels.
