Boeing Receives FAA Authorization to Increase 737 MAX Production to 42 Aircraft per Month
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized Boeing to increase production of the 737 MAX to 42 aircraft per month, lifting the cap of 38 units per month that had been in place since January 2024. Both the agency and the American manufacturer confirmed the decision this Friday.
End of Safety-Imposed Production Cap
The limit had been implemented following an incident at the beginning of 2024, when an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 experienced an emergency during flight after four essential bolts were found to be missing from one of the emergency exit door plugs. This event triggered a deep safety crisis for Boeing and led the FAA to exercise unprecedented oversight over its manufacturing processes.
FAA Endorses Increase After Rigorous Inspections
According to the agency, safety inspectors conducted a “comprehensive review of Boeing’s production lines” to ensure this increase in the assembly rate is carried out with the highest safeguards.
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The FAA Administrator, Bryan Bedford, contacted Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, directly to confirm the company was authorized to raise production to 42 aircraft per month, a source familiar with the conversation told Reuters.
Boeing Welcomes Decision, Highlights Collaborative Work
Boeing expressed its gratitude “to the internal team, suppliers, and the FAA for ensuring we are prepared to increase production with safety and quality as our priorities.” The company plans to quickly initiate the newly approved production rate, seen as a key step in its recovery strategy after months of regulatory and media scrutiny.
A Significant Step in Boeing’s Recovery
The decision marks a relevant milestone for the American manufacturer, which seeks to consolidate public and regulator confidence following the safety issues that affected the 737 MAX family in recent years. The production increase symbolizes not only an operational advance but also a vote of confidence from the aviation authority in Boeing’s ability to maintain high standards on its assembly lines.
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