EVERETT—Boeing on Friday officially launched its new $1 billion North Line at the company’s Everett manufacturing plant, marking a significant expansion of its 737 MAX production capacity as the aerospace manufacturer works to meet sustained global demand and reduce an order backlog of more than 4,300 aircrafts.
“We have three priorities in BCA, and one of them is to deliver safe and quality airplanes to our customers on time. This year is a $1 billion investment to do just that. It builds capacity and resiliency into our factory and our production system. It invests in our incredible teammates through training and experiences so that we can continue to predictably meet our customers’ commitments,” said Boeing President and CEO of Commercial Airplanes Stephanie Pope. “We look forward to celebrating the first airplane that rolls out of here later this year, delivering airplanes to airlines across the country, supporting jobs and economic growth right here at home. We couldn’t do this without our talented team. You’ve heard it over and over again today. You are what makes Boeing the best company in the world.”
The North Line officially became operational on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The new assembly line, housed inside Boeing’s sprawling Everett factory, becomes the fourth production line dedicated to the 737 MAX family to increase monthly production from 42 to 47 airplanes during a low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase increasing to 52 by early 2027. Boeing currently produces 42 737 MAX planes each month at its Renton plant.
Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA02) joked the new assembly line should be called the “fourth line”, not the “north line,” as Everett is not north of anything – it’s the global center of aerospace manufacturing and innovation.
“Today’s a great day for aviation and aerospace and the economy here in Northwest Washington. In the Northwest, aviation and aerospace is really ingrained in our DNA. Boeing has made world-class aircraft in Everett since 1943 when the first facilities opened roof sections for the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress,” said Congressman Rick Larsen. “Since the main factory opened about 60 years ago, to become the original home of the Boeing 747, the factory and hundreds of thousands of employees who have worked here have left a huge imprint on the Pacific Northwest.”
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg announced Wednesday, May 27, that the company passed the Federal Aviation Administration’s capstone review, clearing the way to raise its monthly 737 MAX production.
Over the longer term, the company aims to produce at least 63 737 MAX aircraft monthly in a stretched multi-year goal. Airbus, Boeings primary competitor, currently produces about 60 A320neo-family jets per month and has set a target of 75 by 2027.
The increase in production is the latest step in Boeing’s long recovery from strict FAA oversight that began after the January 5, 2024, midair door-plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9. As previously reported by the Lynnwood Times, the incident prompted the FAA to cap 737 MAX production at 38 planes per month in January 2024 to force the manufacturer to focus on safety and quality improvements.
Boeing worked through a series of regulatory performance gates under its Safety and Quality Plan. In September 2025 the FAA reinstated the company’s limited authority to issue airworthiness certificates. One month later, on Oct. 17, 2025, the FAA approved the first major production increase to 42 planes per month.
“As somebody who has seen the challenges that we’ve faced in aerospace, and yes, there have been challenges, we also know that we have met those challenges. And this is another one of those challenges of meeting demand and expanding the footprint and saying we in Puget Sound can get the workforce, train and skill them, and yes, management is going to listen to the workforce when they have something to say, and we are going to build great products here in Everett, Washington,” said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.
The new 737 MAX is an ultra-efficient single-aisle jet that reduces fuel use by 20% compared to previous generation airplanes. It is powered by the CFM International LEAP-1B engine built by GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines and incorporates advanced technology winglets. The noise footprint for 737 MAX family aircraft is 50% less compared to the previous generation 737 Next-Generation (NG) family.
“I am very proud to join you as we celebrate this investment, this expansion here in Everett. And this ribbon cutting is incredibly meaningful for all of us and meaningful for me since most weeks I pack my bag and head to SeaTac, I get on some kind of 737 on my way back to the other Washington,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA01), calling Everett and the State of Washington as home to some of the finest aerospace workers in the world. “I am one of the millions of travelers who really count on the work that you do. Every time I take my seat, I really am placing my trust in the work that all of you do. The professionals in this room and millions of flyers do the exact same thing every single day.”
DelBene added that a 25% increase in production capacity (at 52 pr month) will strengthen the state’s position as the global capital of aviation, the ripple effects of which will be felt across the entire community supporting more than 1,100 local suppliers and small businesses.
Speakers at Friday’s launch also included Boeing teammates and leaders: Keith Butler, North Line workplace coach, Joe Hollingsworth, construction mechanic, JJ (Juan) Paez Chaves, liaison engineer, Michael Fleming, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Airplane Programs and Customer Support, and Jeff Shockey, Executive Vice President of Government Operations, Global Public Policy and Corporate Strategy.
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers praised Boeing as a vital economic and community pillar in the county generating, with Paine Field Airport, some $60 billion in economic development.
“Boeing employs tens of thousands of skilled workers, supporting families throughout our region. They and their workers also give back to the community every single day,” said Executive Somers. “We know that our stewardship of Paine Field is vital for Boeing and for our region.”
Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin hailed the new 737 MAX production line as a strong vote of confidence in the city’s workforce and American manufacturing, and that its workforce is distinguished in solving complex problems.
“For generations, our city has been the center of aerospace innovation. From the first 747, 767, and the 777, and the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner, this factory has repeatedly shown the world what is possible,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “In Everett, we don’t just build airplanes, we solve complex problems, advance manufacturing, and help connect the world. That legacy is exactly why Everett is the right place to launch this next chapter.”
The 737 MAX remains Boeing’s best-selling commercial jet, serving airlines on domestic and regional international routes around the world. The single-aisle aircraft family includes the 737-7, 737-8, 737-8-200, 737-9 and 737-10 variants, along with Boeing Business Jet models.
“The opening of Boeing’s 737 North Line in Everett is a major investment in Snohomish County’s future. We are proud to be home to a highly skilled aerospace workforce that supports family-wage jobs, strengthens our local economy, and continues our region’s legacy of manufacturing excellence,” said Snohomish County Councilwoman Megan Dunn.
According to Boeing, more than 1 million passengers fly aboard 737 MAX aircraft every day.
“I am thrilled about the opening of Boeing’s 737 MAX North Line here in Everett. This will create family-wage jobs and will have a positive economic impact on our area for years to come,” said Snohomish County Councilman Nate Nehring.
Snohomish County Councilman Jared Mead called the new 737 North Line excellent news for the county as it provides vital living wage jobs.
“The new North Line for the Boeing 737 is wonderful news for Snohomish County. Nearly 1,000 new jobs will make a real difference for our community, and I’m thankful to Boeing for continuing to invest in the people who live and work here. Our aerospace workforce is second to none, and it’s exciting to see that talent recognized with this investment,” said Mead.
The Boeing Everett Factory is the world’s largest building by volume with the main Everett assembly building covering some 98.3 acres or 472 million cubic feet.
“It’s really great to have a high value, high contribution, manufacturer and operation here in Everett, where it can’t easily be replicated, where it’s very competitive, where you have this workforce for design, engineering, and manufacturing that really make this go,” said Everett City Councilman Ben Zarlingo. “There’s a 25% increase in 737 manufacturing capacity which is great for Everett and great for the Puget Sound region.”
The North Line 737 MAX Assembly Build
Boeing hired approximately 1,000 employees for the North Line. By adding the Everett line, the company seeks to ease bottlenecks and build resilience, it says. The new Everett 737 MAX North Line follows a 10 day-flow day final assembly process and introduces new flexibility into the production system.
Fuselages are shipped by rail from the former Spirit AeroSystems facility in Wichita, Kansas, now part of Boeing. Wings and wingboxes are assembled in Renton and trucked north to Everett, a logistics process that has been refined through internal projects and university capstone studies. Stabilizers, landing gear and other large components are installed on site in Everett, consistent with operations at the Renton plant.
Boeing officials said the arrangement allows the company to leverage existing expertise while expanding production capacity without disrupting established manufacturing operations.
On Flow Day 1, workers roll the fuselage into position and lift it for detailed inspection. Teams then install insulation along with electronic, hydraulic and mechanical systems. The dorsal fin is mounted on top of the fuselage.
Wiring, hydraulic tubing and flight control cables are routed on Flow Day 2. Approximately 43 miles of wire are installed during this stage. If specified by the customer, an optional Wi-Fi antenna and its cover are added on the upper fuselage.
Flow Day 3 focuses on connecting wires and tubes to their corresponding modules. Crews begin installing flight deck panels and perform initial hydraulic system tests. The protective radome is also fitted to the nose section.
The aircraft takes structural shape on Flow Day 4 with the attachment of the wings, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, and landing gear. Once the plane can support its own weight, it is rolled forward to the next station.
Rear galleys, lavatories, water and waste systems, and remaining electronic equipment are installed on Flow Day 5. Workers connect cable riggings to the flight controls and conduct a pressure test of the fuel tanks to check for leaks.
On Flow Day 6, oil and electrical power are introduced to the aircraft. Air distribution systems are completed while mechanical and electronic tests continue. Side walls, overhead stowage bins, and the forward galleys and lavatories are also put in place.
Flow Day 7 includes a cabin pressurization test to verify leak-tightness and a final inspection and cleaning of the fuel tanks. Landing gear functionality is checked, and flight control systems undergo simulated testing.
Carpets are cut and passenger seats are installed on Flow Day 8. Additional testing of flight controls and hydraulics takes place, followed by a thorough “shakedown” inspection to identify any defects or foreign debris.
Engines are hung from the wings and connected to the aircraft’s electronic and hydraulic systems on Flow Day 9. Final inspections are performed ahead of the customer presentation, followed by formal aircraft inspection.
Flow Day 10 allows for any remaining installations, testing or inspections. Once complete, the finished 737 MAX is prepared to exit the Everett production line for Paint or Flight test.
“The opening of the new 737 North line is a significant milestone for our community, creating 400-500 new good-paying, union jobs in Everett,” Sen. Marko Liias told the Lynnwood Times. “This expansion further strengthens our region’s position as a global leader in aerospace innovation and economic growth.”
Editor’s Note: Mario Lotmore contributed to this article.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
