Major Planemaker Focuses on Stability Before Raising Aircraft Output in 2026

Global - Boeing has indicated that it will prioritise industrial stability and safety performance before increasing aircraft production rates, with Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope confirming that the manufacturer will not advance to its next output milestones until its manufacturing system demonstrates sustained readiness. Speaking ahead of the Dubai Airshow, Pope said Boeing is focused on stabilising current production levels following regulatory approval to raise 737 output from 38 to 42 aircraft per month.

• Boeing is currently producing 42 aircraft per month on the 737 programme, following the FAA’s lifting of output restrictions
• The manufacturer is also nearing eight aircraft per month on the 787 line; stabilising both rates is Pope’s immediate objective before any further increases.
• Boeing must meet six FAA-defined targets—covering supplier oversight, quality control, and reductions in out-of-sequence work—before any rate changes are approved.
• Future milestones include 47 aircraft per month on the 737 programme and 10 per month on the 787, though no timeline has been set. Pope said increases “will come when the system is ready.”
• To support long-term production, Boeing is preparing a new “North Line” for 737 assembly at its Everett facility. The additional line will not be needed until production approaches pre-Covid levels of roughly 52 aircraft per month.

Source: Boeing