Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg announced at a Bernstein conference that the company has successfully passed the Federal Aviation Administration's requirements to boost its production of the 737 Max aircraft to 47 units per month, up from the current rate of 42.
Ortberg expressed confidence in achieving this new production rate within the next few months, although he noted that stabilizing the production line may take additional time. He acknowledged that while Boeing has previously reached production levels of 57 aircraft per month, the company currently cannot sustain that rate due to safety and quality processes.
Looking ahead, Ortberg mentioned aspirations to eventually reach a production rate of 63 jets per month, contingent on market demand. However, he also recognized that there is still work to be done to achieve higher production rates, with the goal of reaching 52 jets per month potentially taking at least six months.
This production ramp-up is significant as it reflects Boeing's efforts to recover from past challenges and meet market demand, with Ortberg stating, 'I think the whole world's watching to make sure we make 47 and 52.'