FAA Lets Boeing Increase Production Cap on 737 MAX by 10% — Update

By Dean Seal

The Federal Aviation Administration will let Boeing increase production of its 737 Max to 42 planes a month from 38, boosting the limit put in place after a fuselage panel blew off a jet midair early last year.

The regulator's safety inspectors conducted extensive reviews of Boeing's production lines to ensure the jet maker's requested production rate increase will be done safely, an FAA spokesperson said Friday.

"Our direct oversight of Boeing's production processes, implementation of its Safety Management System, and whistleblower protections has not changed," the spokesperson said in a statement.

Boeing said it has followed a disciplined rate readiness program tracked by key performance indicators it agreed to with the FAA.

"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," a Boeing spokeswoman said.

The FAA put the production limit in place weeks after a near-catastrophe on an Alaska Airlines flight in January 2024, in which a door plug ripped away from the plane shortly after takeoff and left a gaping hole in the side of the aircraft.

The agency blamed Boeing for emphasizing production over quality. Former FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said at the time that Boeing would not be allowed to expand production until quality control issues uncovered during the episode were resolved.

The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the FAA was expected to allow Boeing to boost 737 MAX production, among other concessions that could help the company deliver more newly produced aircraft to customers.

Boeing shares ticked up 1.2% to $215.56 after hours.

Write to Dean Seal at dean.seal@wsj.com