Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said Wednesday that the company met all FAA requirements to increase 737 Max production to 47 jets per month [1].
This regulatory approval marks a critical recovery step for the aerospace giant as it attempts to stabilize its manufacturing pipeline and clear order backlogs after years of safety crises. The increase allows Boeing to scale operations toward pre-incident levels while remaining under federal oversight.
Ortberg said the company is now "off and rolling" following the clearance [2]. The target rate of 47 jets per month [1] represents an increase from the current production rate of 42 jets per month [3].
This growth follows a period of strict constraints. Ortberg said production was limited to 38 units monthly after a near-catastrophic mid-air incident involving a door panel in January 2024 [2]. The FAA imposed those limits to ensure the company prioritized quality and safety over delivery speed.
Boeing expects the production increase to take effect within a few months, likely during the summer of 2026 [1, 4]. The company has spent the last two years working to satisfy regulatory requirements to prove its quality control systems are robust enough to handle higher volumes [2, 4].
"We've met all the FAA requirements to increase production to 47 jets per month," Ortberg said [1].
The move comes as Boeing continues to reorganize its manufacturing processes in the Seattle area [4]. The company has faced intense scrutiny from both the FAA and the public regarding the integrity of the 737 Max line, making this incremental increase a measured approach to returning to full capacity.
“"We've met all the FAA requirements to increase production to 47 jets per month."”
The FAA's decision to allow Boeing to move from 42 to 47 aircraft per month indicates a gradual restoration of trust in Boeing's quality management systems. While this is a positive signal for Boeing's financial recovery and airline customers waiting for deliveries, the incremental nature of the increase suggests the FAA remains cautious. The regulator is ensuring that the production ramp-up does not compromise the safety standards established after the 2024 door-panel failure.
