The head of Boeing’s commercial division has acknowledged that the corporation intends to increase 737 MAX production “very soon.”
According to Reuters, a Boeing executive stated on March 20, 2023, that manufacturing would soon surpass the present monthly rate of 31 jets.
Deal reportedly shared encouraging information regarding the 737 MAX 7, which is still in need of FAA approval (FAA).
“We’ve got a handful – less than a handful – left to go to the FAA,” Deal said.
“We’re working a few issues around those submittals. I want them to be perfect, I want the FAA to feel comfortable, and then give them the time to go review.”
The MAX 7 is anticipated to be certified and delivered this year, according to latest confirmation from Boeing.
The news from Boeing has received a favorable reaction from the financial markets.
According to Reuters, Boeing plans to raise MAX aircraft output to 50 planes a month by the end of 2026.
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan stated earlier in March 2023 that he was not “counting on the MAX 7 to be in service here in 2023.”
Speaking with journalists at an Aero Club event in Washington on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, Jordan said: “We’re dependent on Boeing. And there’s progress. It’s about six months between when it’s certified and [when] we can put it into service.”
Boeing has several deliveries coming to Southwest Airlines right now, including 271 MAX 7s.
“Boeing is committed to 100 this year, so that’s going to push aircraft into 2024. The good thing is, it’s really not having an impact on our capacity because right now the constraint is pilots,” Jordan said. “The constraint is not aircraft. So until you get to early 2024, it really doesn’t change our capacity plan.”
