Reuters reports that Boeing has informed suppliers that it plans to slow down its near term production ramp up of the 737 MAX airliner, citing sources with knowledge of the matter.
The new schedule targets 42 jets per month starting in February 2024, compared to the previous goal of December 2023. Boeing attributes the two-month delay to a supplier error and ongoing supply chain issues.
Subsequent rate increases are also pushed back, with 52.5 jets per month targeted for February 2025 instead of December 2024. The company now expects to reach its pre-pandemic goal of around 57 jets per month in October 2025.
Our forecast for the 737 already accounted for a slight delay in the ramp up, so
Meanwhile, Boeing is running out of time to certificate the MAX 7 model before the end of the year. Missing the self-imposed deadline would not be particularly significant. The company has said for months that it did not expect to deliver the first MAX 7 until early 2024. Delivery of the first MAX 10, the largest member of the MAX family, is also scheduled to occur in 2024.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Douglas Royce is currently co-editor of four of Forecast International's Market Intelligence Services: Civil Aircraft Forecast, Military Aircraft Forecast, Rotorcraft Forecast, and Aviation Gas Turbine Forecast. As such, he plays a key role in many important projects that involve market sizing and forecasting for various segments of the world aerospace industry, as well as demand for related systems.
