Boeing to increase 737 production rate in 2017

By BA Staff

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Boeing announced that production on the 737 program will increase to 47 airplanes per month in 2017, the highest rate ever for the best-selling airliner in history.

Once implemented, the 737 program will build more than 560 airplanes per year, and will have increased output by nearly 50 percent since 2010.

Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager, 737 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

"We're taking this step to make sure our airplanes get into the hands of our customers when they need them. Our employees and our suppliers have successfully increased the production rate to unmatched levels over the last three years. This increase will lay a solid foundation as we bridge into production on the 737 MAX."

Boeing currently produces 38 airplanes per month from its Renton, Wash., factory and will increase the rate to 42 per month in the first half of 2014. First delivery of the 737 MAX is on track for third quarter of 2017.

The rate increase announced is not expected to have a significant impact on 2013 financial results.

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Boeing lowers 747-8 production rate as demand slows

By BA Staff

Boeing announced that it will adjust the production rate for the 747-8 program from 1.75 airplanes to 1.5 airplanes per month through 2015 because of lower market demand for large passenger and freighter airplanes.

Eric Lindblad, vice president and general manager, 747 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

 "This production adjustment better aligns us with near-term demand while stabilizing our production flow, and better positions the program to offer the 747-8's compelling economics and performance when the market recovers. Although we are making a small adjustment to our production rate, it doesn't change our confidence in the 747-8 or our commitment to the program."

The company expects long-term average growth in the air cargo market to begin returning in 2014, and forecasts global demand for 760 large airplanes (such as the 747-8) over the next 20 years, valued at $280 billion. To date, the 747-8 has accumulated 107 orders for passenger and cargo versions, 56 of which have been delivered. The first delivery at the new production rate is expected in early 2014. The production rate change is not expected to have a significant financial impact.

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Boeing commences production of the first larger Dreamliner 787-9

Boeing has commenced final assembly of the first 787-9 Dreamliner, the newest variant of the new generation largely composite aircraft.

The 787-9 is the longer version of the existing 787-8 with its fuselage stretched by 20 feet increasing the aircraft length to 206 feet. The 787-9 will be able to carry 40 more passengers an additional 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers).

The first flight of the 787-9 is scheduled for the second half of 2013, and first delivery is expected in early 2014, to launch customer Air New Zealand. About 40% of all Dreamliner orders, 355 aircraft, are for the -9 variant from 20 airline customers. However, Air India is not one of them.

Boeing will build the first three 787-9s on its Temporary Surge Line in Everett to allow for smoother integration of the 787-9 into the production system while continuing to ramp up production across the 787 program.

In the photo above, courtesy Boeing, the vertical stabilizer on the first 787-9 reflects the new Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) livery, last modified for the 737 MAX.

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Boeing slows down 747-8 production rate

by Devesh Agarwal

US Airframer Boeing announced that it will adjust the production rate for the 747-8 program from two airplanes to 1.75 airplanes per month because of lower market demand for large passenger and freighter airplanes.

Boeing expects long-term average growth in the air cargo market to resume in 2014, and forecasts a demand for 790 large airplanes (such as the 747-8 Intercontinental) to be delivered worldwide over the next 20 years.

The first delivery of an airplane at the new production rate is expected in early 2014. The production rate change is not expected to have a significant financial impact.

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