US aircraft manufacturer Boeing is considering increasing production of its 737 MAX jet to a record 70 planes per month. The move comes as demand for the aircraft continues to grow, following a successful certification and return-to-service in 2020.
The decision follows a prolonged period of reduced production due to the grounding of the 737 MAX in 2019 following two fatal crashes. However, with air travel demand slowly recovering from the pandemic, Boeing believes there is sufficient market demand to justify an increase in production.
While the exact timeline for implementing this plan has not been disclosed, industry insiders suggest that it could take several months to a year or more to reach full capacity. This will undoubtedly be a welcome boost to UK aerospace suppliers and manufacturers who supply components to Boeing's 737 MAX programme.
The increased production rate is expected to support the growing demand for air travel in Europe, where the UK plays a significant role as a major hub for international flight routes. As a result, this development may have implications for airport capacity and expansion plans in the region.