Boeing Resolves Design Defects and Boosts 737 Max Production

The Boeing Company is advancing production and certification for several aircraft models ahead of the Farnborough aviation event. The company opened a new 737 Max assembly line in Everett, Washington, to increase monthly output from 47 to 52 jets. Boeing expects the Federal Aviation Administration to certify the 737 Max 7 this summer and aims for Max 10 certification by the end of 2026.

Technical milestones include the resolution of a design defect in the 737 Max engine anti-ice system via an inlet turbulator to prevent overheating. Boeing also finalized an enhanced angle-of-attack sensor system for the Max 10, designed to inhibit the stick shaker alarm and prevent the MCAS-related failures that caused fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Most certification requirements for these models are expected to be complete in the third quarter of 2026.

Progress continues on the 777X family, with Boeing completing half of the certification flight tests for the 777-9 and targeting deliveries for 2027. However, expansion of the 787 program remains limited. While Boeing has received 250 new orders, CEO Kelly Ortberg stated that increasing production to 10 aircraft monthly is currently blocked by GEnx turbofan engine shortages from GE Aerospace.