FAA Clears Boeing to Boost 737 Max Production

Washington: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has allowed Boeing to raise production of its 737 Max jets to 42 aircraft a month, nearly two years after a midair incident prompted limits on output.

The FAA had restricted Boeing’s production to 38 jets a month following a January 2024 Alaska Airlines flight, when a door plug detached from a nearly new 737 Max 9 during climb. No one was injured, but investigators later found key bolts had not been reinstalled before delivery.

The FAA said it conducted extensive inspections before approving the increase and will continue close oversight.

Boeing said it would work with suppliers to expand output “with safety and quality at the forefront.” CEO Kelly Ortberg said more increases are planned as the company works toward recovery after years of production and safety challenges.

The 737 Max program, once grounded worldwide after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, remains central to Boeing’s turnaround. The manufacturer hasn’t posted an annual profit since 2018 but expects higher deliveries this year.