Exclusive: Boeing Sets Record 737 Production Goal for July 2025 – Sources by Reuters

By Valerie Insinna

WASHINGTON – Boeing plans to increase production of its best-selling 737 narrowbody jet to a record of at least 57 aircraft per month by July 2025. This adjustment is driven by rising orders and the company’s recovery from the 737 MAX crisis, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Achieving this goal would mean hitting a target that Boeing was unable to meet a few years back, which was derailed in 2019 when the 737 MAX was grounded worldwide following two tragic crashes.

Both Boeing and its European competitor Airbus have set ambitious production goals in response to the resurgence in air travel and aircraft orders. Notably, Airbus is ramping up production of its in-demand single-aisle planes at a pace that exceeds Boeing’s plans.

Boeing outlined its production strategy in the most recent version of its master schedule for suppliers, which was confirmed by the company in mid-September. The sources requested anonymity as the document is not publicly available.

Boeing did not provide any comments on the matter.

The schedule anticipates 737 production to reach 42 jets per month by December 2023, supporting statements made by Stan Deal, head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in a June interview. Following this, production is expected to rise to 47.2 jets in June 2024 and 52.5 jets in December 2024, eventually stabilizing at 57.7 jets per month in July 2025.

An earlier report had suggested a production rate of 52 jets per month starting in January 2025.

Prior to the grounding of the 737 MAX in 2019, Boeing had been producing 52 units each month, aiming for a target of 57.

Currently, Boeing’s official target for 737 production stands at 50 per month for the 2025-2026 period, which was announced during an investor day last November.

However, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun indicated that raising production to 60 jets per month could be a possibility as the company continues to secure new orders, including a significant contract with Air India for nearly 200 MAX aircraft.

"I would love to reach 60 deliveries, and the market is there for it," Calhoun remarked during a July earnings call, emphasizing the potential for increased output.

Calhoun noted that the latter half of 2024 will be crucial for the company to demonstrate its ability to stabilize its supply chain and adhere to its production ramp-up plan. He expressed caution but optimism about the future, stating, "If we manage that well, then we can discuss 60 deliveries, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself."

Supplier schedules often adapt to various factors, but they serve as essential signals for the supply chain, enabling smaller companies to make the necessary investments.

In July, Airbus reiterated its ambitious production target of 75 A320neo family jets per month by 2026, with executives reporting that progress is on track.