Boeing readies to boost 737 MAX output as both planemakers rule out new narrowbody programmes
October 7, 2025
Boeing is preparing to increase production of its 737 MAX family to 42 aircraft per month starting in November. The production ramp-up follows the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s recent decision to restore limited certification authority to the aircraft manufacturer after more than a year of heightened oversight.
Boeing notifies key suppliers of higher 737 output
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that Boeing has notified key suppliers to prepare for a higher output rate at its Renton, Washington, facility, as it works to reduce a backlog of more than 4,000 orders for the single-aisle jet. The FAA’s cap of 38 aircraft per month, imposed in early 2024 due to concerns over manufacturing quality, is expected to be lifted in stages starting next month.
According to Bloomberg, Boeing plans to maintain the 42-per-month output for several months before considering any further increases. Boeing told its suppliers to align deliveries with the revised production schedule, with additional rate hikes possible in 2026 if supply chain stability is maintained.
FAA restores Boeing’s authority to issue limited airworthiness certificates
The production increase comes shortly after the agency confirmed that it had re-authorised Boeing to issue limited airworthiness certificates for newly built 737 and 787 aircraft.
The FAA had withdrawn Boeing’s delegated authority under the Organisation Designation Authorisation (ODA) programme following the Alaska Airlines midair “door plug” incident in January 2024 and subsequent findings of quality-control lapses. Boeing has since implemented a series of manufacturing audits, workforce retraining programmes, and new inspection protocols across its 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner production sites.
According to the FAA, the decision to restore Boeing’s delegated authority reflects progress in Boeing’s quality-management and inspection systems. However, the agency stated that it will continue to maintain close oversight of the manufacturer’s production lines.
“Safety drives everything we do, and the FAA will only allow this step forward because we are confident it can be done safely,” the agency stated when announcing the re-authorisation in September. “This decision follows a thorough review of Boeing’s ongoing production quality and will allow our inspectors to focus additional surveillance in the production process. The FAA will continue to maintain direct and rigorous oversight of Boeing’s production processes.”
Airbus narrowbody production rates
Airbus has previously targeted a monthly production rate of 75 A320-family aircraft by 2027. The manufacturer has been addressing the supply chain challenges that impact its own production rates.
While announcing the company’s half-year results, Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are producing aircraft in line with our plans, but deliveries are backloaded as we face persistent engine supply issues on the A320 programme. The operating environment is complex and fast-changing.”
Boeing, Airbus: No new narrowbody programmes planned
Despite previous reports from The Wall Street Journal that Boeing was working on the design of a new narrow-body aircraft to replace the 737, Boeing and Airbus both denied that a new narrow-body design is imminent this week.
As Reuters reported, Darren Hulst told the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading that a launch is “some way off.” A senior Airbus executive said it would “take a bit of time” to design an aircraft that was sufficiently more efficient to attract buyers.
Boeing described The Wall Street Journal’s report of a new aircraft programme as “misleading,” clarifying that while the company is evaluating future market requirements, it has not initiated a formal programme.
Both manufacturers see sustained demand from airlines for fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft, and both narrowbody aircraft families were originally designed decades ago. However, both Boeing and Airbus feel that propulsion and emissions reduction technologies are not yet advanced enough to justify a new clean-sheet design.
Boeing’s 737 MAX family remains its most important commercial programme, representing the majority of its 6,531 aircraft order backlog as of August 2025.
