Boeing says it has begun ramping up the 737 production rate to 35 per month, up from the current rate of 31.5, with the commencement of assembly of the wing spar for the first aircraft to be assembled at the new rate.
“The start of spar assembly today demonstrates the progress the 737 team has made,” said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of the 737 program, on October 18. “This is part of the series of rate increases to meet customer demand for the most popular airplane in aviation history.”
Boeing says it is able to increase the rate through more efficient work practices, capital investments including a new wing system installation line, and making its Renton site’s “footprint more efficient by moving some production areas, expanding others and decommissioning outdated equipment”.
