Boeing testing production rate of 47 aircraft per month, cautious of increasing to 52: CEO
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg stated (27-May-2026) the company completed a capstone review with the US FAA to increase production of the 737 MAX from 42 to 47 aircraft per month. Mr Ortberg said: "We are now in the process of running the line at the 47 a month rate. It'll probably take us a few months of stabilisation there, but I'll say when we went from 38 to 42 that stabilisation didn't take too long". He continued: "My guess is we continue to go up in rate, it may take a little bit longer, but we're off and rolling now for the 47 a month rate, and we should be there next couple months now". Mr Ortberg noted he remains cautious of a follow up rate increase to 52 aircraft per month, stating: "We'll have to watch that, because that's going to be more of a strain than going to 47 because of the inventory". He added that part of the increased rate will depend on the introduction of capacity from the new line Boeing is preparing to debut at its facility in Everett, Washington. [more - Aviation Week]
Background ✨
US FAA lifted its production cap, enabling Boeing to raise 737 MAX output from 38 to 42 aircraft per month after "extensive reviews" of production lines by safety inspectors1. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg previously said it expected an FAA milestone/capstone review in late 2025, with a potential move to 47 per month in 1H2026 and 52 per month in 4Q2026 if progress held2. Boeing planned a fourth 737 MAX line in Everett for summer 2026, targeting an approximately 15% output increase over 18 months3.