Overview

• FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said Boeing has not asked for a rate increase and the agency has not agreed to one, with a formal evaluation process now being developed.
• The scenario-based drills are intended to probe potential challenges in a production ramp and to verify that quality standards are maintained.
• Completion of the exercises is targeted by the end of September 2025, after which the FAA expects to have a roadmap for assessing any cap change.
• The 38-per-month limit was imposed after a January 2024 Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door-plug failure that triggered heightened oversight of Boeing’s production system.
• Boeing says it is confident it can reach 42 jets per month when conditions allow and ultimately aims for 47, while the FAA maintains close monitoring including a three-year ODA renewal and ongoing site reviews noting issues such as traveled work.