Key facts
- Boeing is launching a fourth 737 MAX assembly line at its Everett, Washington, factory.
- The new line is part of Boeing's strategy to increase production of its single-aisle jetliner.
- The line is expected to begin operations on July 6.
- The FAA had previously imposed limits on Boeing's 737 production following a January 2024 incident.
Boeing is set to commence operations on a fourth 737 MAX assembly line at its Everett, Washington, facility on Monday. This expansion is a key component of the company's long-term strategy to significantly boost production of its popular single-aisle jetliner, aiming to meet historically high global demand.
CEO Kelly Ortberg previously indicated that the first aircraft would be loaded onto the new line, known internally as the North Line, on July 6. This line is designed as a replica of the three existing 737 final assembly lines located in Boeing's Renton plant. The introduction of the Everett line is not anticipated to contribute to production rate increases until early 2027, when Boeing targets an output of 52 jets per month. The company is also exploring the possibility of increasing 737 production to as many as 70 aircraft per month.
This production ramp-up is crucial for Boeing to recover financially after years of disruptions, safety issues, and supplier strains. The Federal Aviation Administration had previously placed limits on Boeing's 737 production following a mid-air incident in January 2024 where a door plug detached from an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9. This event led to intensified scrutiny of Boeing's manufacturing processes and necessitated a slowdown in output as the company addressed quality control lapses.
The Everett plant, recognized as the world's largest building by volume, possesses substantial available factory space. This is partly due to the cessation of 737 production and the consolidation of 787 assembly in South Carolina. The 737 MAX competes directly with Airbus' A320neo family in the highly competitive single-aisle aircraft market, where airlines are currently facing multi-year waiting lists for new planes.