Boeing plans to increase production of its 737 MAX

Boeing reported this quarter a net loss of about $132 million, resulting from the problems with its 787 and its Starliner space capsule.

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The manufacturer reported that it continues to monitor the return to service of the 737 MAX. Since the FAA approved the 737 MAX’s return to operation, Boeing has delivered more than 195 units of the model. Airlines, meanwhile, have already placed more than 200 airplanes back into service.

The 737 MAX is now operating for 31 airlines worldwide and has accumulated more than 500,000 flight hours since its recertification. Currently, 19 units are produced per month and the target for early 2022 is 31 aircraft per month.

According to Reuters Boeing delivered 62 737 MAX family aircraft in the quarter. It currently has some 370 units in inventory, of which one-third will be for customers in China.

On the other hand, Boeing informed in the publication of its quarterly results that it continues to focus its efforts on inspecting and modifying its 787, which was discontinued last May due to the observation of manufacturing defects. The manufacturer said it is «engaged in detailed discussions with the FAA to formulate the modifications required» to resume deliveries. The current production rate for the 787 is approximately two aircraft per month. The company expects to continue at this rate of production until deliveries resume and then return to five aircraft per month.

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About what it will take to resume deliveries of its most modern twin-engine, it was noted by Dave Calhoun, Boeing’s President, that «we have a clear outline of the next steps», without providing further details.

Lastly, talking about its future 777X, Calhoun noted that work is underway to put together the launch schedule for its cargo version. Boeing began flight testing of the engines earlier this month. While the program is already years behind schedule, the Chicago-based manufacturer still expects to be able to make the first delivery by the end of 2023.