Boeing has announced that it will increase output on its 737 line to 35 units per month from early 2012.
“Our customers continue to show their preference for the Next Generation 737 by exercising order options as well as by placing new orders,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Jim Albaugh. “We’ve managed our current backlog efficiently and increasing rate is the product of our comprehensive planning and preparation. We will continue to monitor demand as we go forward.”
In May, the carrier announced that it would lift production from 31.5 units per month to 34 in 2012. Boeing says that it is now working with its suppliers and internal stakeholders to support the additional aircraft ramp up.
The announcement comes as Boeing decides upon whether it will pursue a re-engining option for the 737NG to counter a likely offering from Airbus for the A320. Boeing Company CEO Jim McNerney told an analysts conference in early June that the company was leaning towards launching a replacement for the 737 from 2020 onwards rather than a re-engining program. The latter option has been complicated by the low ground clearance of the 737 which would require some major engineering works to accept a new high bypass engine.
