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FAA Clears Boeing to Lift 737 Max Output to 42 Jets a Month

The step follows inspector reviews sparked by the 2024 Alaska Airlines door‑plug failure.

Overview

  • Regulators removed a 38-per-month cap set after a January 2024 737 Max 9 door‑plug blowout that investigators tied to missing bolts.
  • The FAA said its safety inspectors extensively reviewed Boeing’s assembly lines and that heightened oversight will continue during the rate increase.
  • Boeing said it will move quickly to reach 42 per month in coordination with suppliers after preparing added capacity at Seattle‑area factories.
  • Last month the FAA partially restored Boeing’s authority to perform final inspections and issue airworthiness certificates on selected 737 Max and 787 aircraft.
  • The higher output is key to cash generation for a company carrying about $53 billion in debt and holding roughly $11 billion in materials, with a proposed $3.1 million FAA fine and other probes still active.