First Boeing 737 MAX 10 rolls out of Everett factory in historic production milestone

Boeing has rolled out the first 737 MAX 10 built at its new production line in Everett, Washington. It marks the first time a 737 has been completed outside Renton in more than 50 years.

The aircraft, destined for Canadian airline WestJet, emerged from Boeing’s North Line on Monday, 26 October, just six days after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified the largest 737 MAX aircraft.

According to The Seattle Times, the aircraft completed all scheduled assembly stations before moving to the factory apron at about 2 pm local time.

Seven other aircraft are currently progressing through the new production line, which opened in July 2026.

The rollout is an important step in Boeing’s efforts to increase 737 production and begin deliveries of the long-delayed MAX 10. However, the first aircraft still requires modifications before it can enter airline service.

Boeing builds first 737 outside Renton in over 50 years

Boeing officially opened the Everett North Line in July, converting part of a factory previously used to manufacture widebody aircraft.

The Everett site first opened in the 1960s to build the Boeing 747 and later became a major production centre for the 767, 777 and 787.

Until this year, Boeing had manufactured its 737 aircraft exclusively at Renton, which is approximately 40 miles south of Everett. It transferred narrowbody production to Renton in 1970.

The new facility adds a fourth 737 MAX final assembly line alongside the three existing lines at Renton.

Everett’s larger production space is particularly suited to the longer MAX 10. Aircraft can move through the North Line nose-to-tail. Production at Renton requires greater spacing between the larger jets.

Boeing invested around $1 billion in converting the Everett facility for narrowbody production.

The project was originally scheduled to begin operations nearly two years earlier, but it was delayed as Boeing addressed production and quality-control problems after the January 2024 Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door-plug incident.

First WestJet 737 MAX 10 still requires modifications

Although the first Everett-built MAX 10 has completed final assembly, it is not yet ready for delivery.

The aircraft must undergo what Boeing calls change incorporation. Aircraft that were manufactured before FAA certification must be updated with design modifications developed during the certification process to meet the final approved design.

These include changes to the engine anti-ice system and an enhanced angle-of-attack sensor required by the FAA.

The aircraft will undergo preflight inspections before moving to another Boeing facility, potentially Moses Lake or Seattle, for the additional work. Boeing has not disclosed how long the modifications will take.

The FAA must also still approve production operations at the new North Line. That is a separate approval process from its certification of the MAX 10 aircraft type.

For now, Boeing is operating the Everett facility at a reduced production rate while workers establish and verify the assembly processes. The initial phase covers at least 10 aircraft.

As a result, the first MAX 10 to roll out of Everett may not be the first delivered to an airline.

New Everett line will support Boeing’s 737 production increase

The North Line is central to Boeing’s plans to increase monthly 737 MAX output. The manufacturer is working towards stabilising production at 42 aircraft per month before increasing to 47 and eventually 52.

Boeing expects Everett to provide the additional assembly capacity needed for higher production rates, while the Renton factory continues building other MAX variants.

The planemaker has said the additional line would also provide greater flexibility for aircraft that require extra production work or more complex cabin installations.

The company has a backlog of more than 4,000 737 MAX aircraft, with outstanding orders extending into the next decade.

The MAX 10 accounts for a substantial share of that demand. Aviation consultancy IBA estimated that airlines had ordered more than 1,550 aircraft, representing approximately 31% of Boeing’s outstanding 737 backlog, according to Reuters.

When will Boeing deliver the first 737 MAX 10?

The FAA certified the Boeing 737 MAX 10 on 20 October 2026, ending years of regulatory delays for the aircraft. Boeing now anticipates certification from Transport Canada and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to follow the FAA’s approval.

The MAX 10 was originally expected to enter commercial service in 2020.

With capacity for up to 230 passengers, the aircraft is Boeing’s largest single-aisle jet and competes directly with the Airbus A321neo family. In a typical two-class configuration, the MAX 10 accommodates approximately 185 to 210 passengers and has a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles.

The larger cabin gives airlines more seating capacity to serve busy short- and medium-haul routes, reducing operating costs per seat compared with smaller aircraft.

WestJet is expected to receive its first MAX 10 in early 2027, subject to remaining regulatory and production requirements.

Other major MAX 10 customers waiting for their aircraft include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Ryanair.

The first Everett-built aircraft is now advancing to the final stages of preparation. Boeing’s next key production milestones will be securing FAA approval for the North Line and increasing its output as MAX 10 deliveries begin.