Boeing delays 737 MAX production milestone by six months

Boeing has announced a six-month delay in reaching a key production milestone for its 737 MAX, according to three industry sources. The revised timeline now aims to achieve an output of 42 MAX jets per month by March 2025, shifting from the previous target of September 2024.

This delay underscores the ongoing difficulties Boeing is encountering in scaling up production of its best-selling jet. The setback follows intensified safety and regulatory checks prompted by an incident in January, where a door panel detached mid-flight from a 737 MAX, leading to additional scrutiny.

While the master schedule provides a demand forecast, it does not represent an official production target. Boeing's official aim is to increase production to 38 MAX jets per month by the end of 2024, up from approximately 25 jets per month in July.

In response to queries about the master schedule, Boeing's spokesperson highlighted comments from CFO Brian West made in late July. West explained,