Boeing appears to be gradually flying out of turbulent skies once more, as the aircraft manufacturer gradually increases the delivery of 737 and 787 aircraft. After being grounded for 20 months, the 737 narrow-body aircraft has been responsible for the majority of Boeing deliveries.
In a report from CAPA, Boeing began the year with over 330 737 MAX aircraft in inventory, and the OEM has gradually increased deliveries – both of stored aircraft and new-build airframes.
Boeing was delivering an average of 29 737 MAX, or a total of 262 frames for the year to September 2022.
70 to 80 of these deliveries were reportedly from Boeing’s stock of inventoried aircraft left over from the 737 MAX grounding, while the rest were new aircraft straight from the Everett production line.
Production rate of 31 737 MAX this July 2022
With the lifting of the grounding of the 737 MAX plus the resurgence of air travel demand, the production of Boeing’s most popular narrow-body has reached 31 per month. According to CAPA, Boeing’s goal for 2023 is to increase 737 MAX production to 37 per month during the first half of 2023 and then rapidly expand from there.
According to reports, the US manufacturer intends to increase output to 47 per month by the end of 2023 or early 2024. However, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun admitted in August 2022 that these targets may not be met due to COVID-19 pandemic-induced supply and labor issues.
CFM International, the 737 MAX program’s sole engine supplier, has struggled to respond to calls to increase output.
Boeing resumes 787 deliveries
Boeing has also resumed deliveries of the 787 in which they were able to deliver three in August and seven in September of this year. Boeing has approximately 120 787s in inventory awaiting delivery to customers; however, each aircraft will require a full inspection to address production issues before delivery is permitted.
Boeing expects to deliver approximately 400 737 MAX aircraft in 2022. Majority will be new-build aircraft, as well as approximately 100 widebodies. Boeing’s stored inventory of 737 MAX and 787 aircraft gives it plenty of leeway to increase deliveries in the 4th quarter of 2022, as well as into 2023 and 2024, even if some suppliers continue to struggle to meet delivery targets.
Expect more Boeing 737 and 787 to be flying in the coming years!
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