The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved an increase in production for Boeing, allowing the company to manufacture up to 42 of its 737 Max jets each month. This change marks a significant lift from the previous limit of 38 Max planes per month, a cap that had been in place since January 2024 due to safety concerns.
The decision to restrict Boeing's production was prompted by a serious incident involving a door panel that detached from a Max aircraft, operated by Alaska Airlines, near Portland. Following a federal investigation, it was discovered that this aircraft had left Boeing’s factory with four bolts missing, which were essential for securing the panel in place. This incident raised alarms about the overall safety of Boeing's manufacturing processes.
The FAA's recent decision to increase the production cap is a strong indicator of the agency's growing confidence in Boeing's commitment to enhancing its manufacturing quality. In a statement, the FAA noted, “F.A.A. safety inspectors conducted extensive reviews of Boeing’s production lines to ensure that this small production rate increase will be done safely.” This approval highlights the effectiveness of the FAA's direct oversight of Boeing's production processes, as well as the implementation of its safety management system and whistle-blower protections.
Importantly, the FAA confirmed that inspectors responsible for monitoring Boeing's production will continue their work despite the ongoing government shutdown. This unwavering oversight is crucial for maintaining safety standards as production ramps up.
The panel incident reignited concerns regarding the safety of Boeing's aircraft, particularly in light of the two tragic crashes involving the Max in 2018 and 2019, which resulted in the loss of 346 lives. Following these events, the Max was grounded globally for nearly two years, with airlines only resuming operations in late 2020.
In response to the panel blowout last year, Boeing took decisive action by replacing its chief executive and several senior managers. The company has since implemented a series of changes aimed at improving quality and accountability in its production processes. Boeing stated, “Our team has followed a disciplined rate-readiness process guided by our safety management system and tracked by key performance indicators that were agreed upon with the F.A.A.”
The 737 Max continues to be Boeing's most popular commercial jet, representing nearly 70 percent of the 6,000 outstanding orders for the company’s aircraft. As production ramps up, Boeing remains focused on ensuring that safety and quality remain at the forefront of its manufacturing efforts.
