EVERETT—Boeing on Friday, October 17, received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to increase production of its 737 MAX jetliners to 42 aircraft per month, marking a significant step for the aerospace juggernaut following a production cap imposed by regulators following the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 incident on January 5, 2024.
“I am encouraged to hear that Boeing is increasing production of the 737MAX after consistently meeting quality metrics set by the FAA, which will lead to more jobs for the women and men who design and make the best airplanes in the world,” Ranking member of the House Transportation Committee U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA02) provided in a statement. “This is important progress toward Boeing getting back to its roots as an engineering company. The company’s leadership team must continue to work hard to earn back the trust of its customers and the flying public, and to create jobs for the best-trained, most-qualified aerospace workers in the world.”
The decision lifts the previous limit of 38 planes per month and signals progress in Boeing addressing safety and quality concerns.
Boeing expressed confidence in its ability to scale up production while maintaining safety and quality standards. Boeing also stated that it would collaborate closely with its suppliers to support the increased output.
“We appreciate the work by our team, our suppliers, and the FAA to ensure we are prepared to increase production with safety and quality at the forefront,” the company stated.
Friday’s announcement comes just weeks after the FAA reinstated Boeing’s ability to issue airworthiness certificates for select 737 MAX and 787 airplanes on a limited basis.
The FAA will continue its oversight of Boeing’s production processes.
“FAA safety inspectors conducted extensive reviews of Boeing’s production lines to ensure that this small production rate increase will be done safely,” the agency said in a statement.
The Alaska Airlines incident led to significant leadership changes, with Boeing’s President and CEO Dave Calhoun and BCA president stepping down, and Robert “Kelly” Ortberg appointed as CEO on August 8, 2024. The FAA also capped Boeing’s 737 MAX production at 38 aircraft per month in January 2024.
On March 13, 2025, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy toured Boeing’s Renton facility, emphasizing that production caps would remain until Boeing demonstrates sustained safety progress.
“My message to Boeing during our recent visit was one of tough love,” Secretary Duffy said during his visit. “Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau and I have made clear that the FAA will continue to cap Boeing’s production of the 737 MAX until they can demonstrate sustainable progress on safety. Only then can they regain the trust of the American people.”
Despite challenges, including a 2024 labor strike, Boeing reported a robust second-quarter performance in 2025, with revenue rising 35% to $22.7 billion and a reduced GAAP loss per share of $0.92, down from $2.33 the previous year. Operating cash flow turned positive at $227 million, and free cash flow improved to a negative $200 million from a $4.3 billion outflow. For the first half of 2025, revenue climbed 26% to $42.2 billion, with positive GAAP earnings from operations of $285 million, compared to a $1.2 billion loss in 2024.
Boeing’s third-quarter 2025 performance results are scheduled to be announced on October 29, 2025.
Author: Mario Lotmore
