Renton, January 31 - Boeing is pushing to maximize production capacity for its flagship 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft amid strong market demand and a massive order backlog. In recent updates from its earnings discussions, the company indicated that existing assembly facilities in Renton, Washington, for the 737 and North Charleston, South Carolina, for the 787 are nearing their current limits. Current output stands at 42 737 jets monthly at Renton and eight 787 widebodies monthly in North Charleston. Executives aim to deliver around 500 737s this year, representing a 12% increase over the previous year's 447 narrowbody deliveries, and 90-100 787s, up from 88. This reflects a broader strategy to boost overall commercial aircraft deliveries by approximately 10% year-over-year while stabilizing operations following past regulatory and supply chain challenges.
To achieve these gains, Boeing plans incremental rate increases, targeting 47 737 MAX aircraft per month before year-end, which represents the maximum feasible at the Renton site without additional infrastructure. For the 787, the goal is to reach 10 jets monthly within the next year, the upper limit of the existing North Charleston facility. These adjustments depend on demonstrating consistent quality metrics and securing necessary approvals from regulatory authorities. Boeing has emphasized that accumulated parts inventory from prior slower production periods will support smoother ramps without major supply disruptions in the near term.
Looking further ahead, Boeing is investing in new assembly lines to unlock higher long-term output. An additional 737 production facility in Everett, Washington, is in preparation to enable eventual increases beyond Renton's capacity, potentially pushing toward 52 jets monthly once operational. This would complement the three existing lines at Renton and address sustained demand for the narrowbody family, including anticipated certifications for the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants. Similarly, construction is advancing on a second 787 assembly site in North Charleston, slated for completion around 2028, which could double widebody production potential to as high as 20 jets per month by adding parallel final assembly capabilities.
These initiatives underscore Boeing's focus on scaling 737 and 787 production to meet airline needs for fuel-efficient aircraft while prioritizing safety and operational stability. With a robust backlog driving future revenue, the manufacturer's emphasis on facility expansions and rate enhancements positions it to strengthen its competitive standing in the commercial aviation sector.