Boeing has announced that it will increase the production rate of its 737 plane to 47 aircraft per month in 2017.
If Boeing achieves the step up in production it will mean the production of 560 737s a year and equate to a 50% increase in production since 2010.
By comparison, Boeing’s rival Airbus achieved a peak rate of 42 a320 aircraft per month in 2012. The a320 is the the nearest direct competitor to the 737 single-aisle variants.
Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of the 737 programme at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, explained the ramp up in production saying: “We’re taking this step to make sure our airplanes get into the hands of our customers when they need them.
Our employees and our suppliers have successfully increased the production rate to unmatched levels over the last three years. This increase will lay a solid foundation as we bridge into production on the 737 MAX.”
Boeing currently produces 38 airplanes per month at its Renton factory in Washinton, USA.
This rate will increase the rate to 42 per month in the first half of 2014. First delivery of the 737 MAX is on track for third quarter of 2017.
The 373 has a strong order book with 266 customers worldwide having placed more than 11,200 orders for the single-aisle airplane. This includes more than 6,500 orders for the current Next-Generation 737 and more than 1,600 orders for the 737 MAX.
The ramp up in production will create business and pressure to perform for Boeing’s UK supply chain. The US aircraft manufacturer works with over 250 suppliers in the UK.
