Boeing has announced that it will increase the production rate on its 737 line in 2012 to meet customer demand.
The increase will see Boeing raise output of 737s from 31.5 per month currently to 34 per month in early 2012, with suppliers already prepared for the increase. Boeing has also not ruled out further increases in output to keep up with the continued strong demand for 737s.
“With over 5200 sold to date, the Next Generation 737 is the workhorse in our customers’ fleets around the world,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Jim Albaugh. “Even through the global economic downturn, our diverse 737 backlog has remained very strong. Increasing the 737 production rate is the right thing to do to meet the growth and fleet replacement needs of our customers.”
The increase in production follows a similar announcement by rival Airbus that it would raise production levels on the A320 Family lines from December to 36 aircraft per month. Boeing has also announced plans to lift 777 production rates to seven units per month from mid 2011, while it has also brought forward an increase in 747-8 production from 2013 to 2012.
