Seattle, 4 April - Boeing, one of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers, has firmly denied reports suggesting that production of its 737 MAX jetliner experienced significant fluctuations due to delays in fitting wing systems. The rebuttal comes in response to a recent article published by aviation news service The Air Current, which claimed that Boeing had briefly achieved a production rate of 38 aircraft per month in February 2025, only to scale back to 31 units due to bottlenecks in the wing assembly process. According to Boeing, these assertions are inaccurate, and the company maintains that its 737 MAX production has neither reached the reported peak nor subsequently declined this year. A Boeing spokesperson emphasized the company’s focus on maintaining production stability and quality, stating that the team continues to work methodically to increase output without compromising on these critical priorities.
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The Air Current report highlighted alleged challenges in the installation of wing systems at Boeing’s Renton, Washington facility, suggesting that unfinished assembly tasks had spiked sharply and persisted into March. It described Boeing pulling resources from other parts of the factory and slowing earlier stages of wing production to address what one source called a “significant backlog.” This narrative painted a picture of a production line struggling to meet ambitious targets, particularly the 38-per-month ceiling imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) following a mid-air door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January 2024. That incident, which prompted intense scrutiny of Boeing’s manufacturing processes, led the FAA to cap production until the company could demonstrate consistent quality control. The Air Current’s claims suggested that Boeing’s efforts to ramp up to this limit had faltered almost as soon as they succeeded.
Boeing’s denial directly challenges this account, with the spokesperson asserting that the 737 program has not hit the 38-plane mark in 2025, nor has it reduced its rate as reported. While the company did not disclose its current production rate, the statement implies a more stable operation than the fluctuations described. This response aligns with Boeing’s broader narrative of prioritizing safety and reliability over rapid expansion, especially given the heightened oversight from regulators and the public following a series of high-profile incidents. The 737 MAX, Boeing’s best-selling jet, has been a cornerstone of its commercial aviation business, but its production has faced repeated setbacks, including groundings after fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, and ongoing quality concerns that have tested the company’s reputation.
The FAA’s production cap remains a critical benchmark for Boeing, both operationally and financially. Achieving and sustaining a rate of 38 aircraft per month is seen as a stepping stone to restoring cash flow and meeting demand from airlines eager to modernize their fleets. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, a key Boeing customer, recently noted that the company produced 32 MAX jets in March and aims to reach 38 by late April, with plans to push beyond that later in the year pending regulatory approval. Boeing’s rebuttal of production swings may also serve to reassure stakeholders that it is on track to meet these goals without sacrificing the rigorous standards now demanded of it. As the company navigates this complex landscape, its ability to balance efficiency with uncompromising quality will likely determine the 737 MAX’s future trajectory. For now, Boeing stands firm in its assertion that reports of production reductions are unfounded, casting doubt on claims of wing system woes derailing its progress.