Overview

• Boeing won FAA approval to raise 737 Max production from a cap of 38 to 42 aircraft per month nearly two years after the limit was imposed.
• The FAA said safety inspectors conducted extensive reviews of Boeing’s production lines and the agency will continue active oversight.
• The January 2024 cap followed an Alaska Airlines Max 9 incident in which a door plug blew out; an NTSB report found key bolts were not reinstalled at the factory.
• Boeing said it will work with suppliers to support the higher rate, and CEO Kelly Ortberg has outlined plans to gradually increase output toward about 47 per month over time.
• Reuters reported that FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford called Ortberg to confirm the new rate, and Boeing plans to move quickly to 42 per month.