Boeing announces second B737 production rate increase

Boeing announced (15-Jun-2010) a second production rate increase for the B737NG programme, taking the rate from the previously announced 34 aircraft per month to 35 per month in early 2012. In May-2009, Boeing cited continued strong demand for the aircraft as the reason for ramping-up production from 31.5 to 34 per month. The announcement "acknowledges the anticipated long-term growth in this market segment and the continued pressure to raise ... output to match expected market demand". Boeing and its suppliers will prepare for the increase over the next 18 months, assessing readiness and ensuring an orderly ramp-up from the current 31.5 airplanes per month. The rate increase is not expected to have a material impact on 2010 financial results. [more]

Boeing Commercial Airplanes: "Our customers continue to show their preference for the Next-Generation 737 by exercising order options as well as by placing new orders. We've managed our current backlog efficiently and increasing rate is the product of our comprehensive planning and preparation. We will continue to monitor demand as we go forward," Jim Albaugh, President and CEO. Source: Boeing, 15-Jun-2010.