Enlarge image
Production of the Boeing 737 Max: A maximum of 38 new jets per month
Photo: Jason Redmond / REUTERS
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has produced significantly fewer aircraft of its bestseller 737 MAX in recent weeks. The reason is tighter controls at the factory by the US authorities, industry insiders told the Reuters news agency. In addition, the lines ran more slowly so that outstanding work on nearly finished machines could be completed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has set a cap on Boeing of 38 new jets per month after part of the exterior of a 737 MAX fell out shortly after takeoff in January due to an assembly error. According to insiders, fewer than ten machines were even completed in March. Boeing is also struggling with maintenance shortages on some engines, meaning planes are idle for months after they enter service. Just a few days ago, Boeing announced that CEO Dave Calhoun would be stepping down at the end of the year as a result of the problems.
The decline in production is likely to have an impact on the entire aviation industry, as airlines will cut their flight schedules due to a lack of aircraft or extend existing leasing contracts to meet demand.
Boeing rival Airbus is also building fewer machines than planned. Around 50 jets from the A320neo family are currently being produced every month; at the beginning of the year, 58 were targeted, according to industry circles. However, since Boeing had to significantly reduce production in order to convince the authorities that operations were running smoothly, Airbus expanded its lead in the market for these jets.
mik/Reuters