Boeing aims to boost 737 production in bid to cut backlog
by The Associated Press
Cranks out 38 per month now at plant in Renton, Wash.; plans to hit 47 per month in 2017
CHICAGO—Boeing Co. is speeding up production of its 737 again as it aims to cut down a backlog for 3,400 of the jets.
The 737 is popular with short-haul airlines such as Southwest and European discounter Ryanair.
Boeing cranks out 38 per month now at its plant in Renton, Wash.
It’s aiming to speed up to 42 per month in the first half of next year.
The announcement says it will go to 47 per month in 2017.
That’s right around the time it will begin producing the 737 Max, a new version that has a new engine and other improvements.
Airbus is also boosting production of its competing A320, and is building a new assembly plant for that plane in Mobile, Ala.
