Boeing considers raising 737 production to 40 per month; decision expected by end of year
By APTuesday, August 31, 2010
Boeing may make 40 of its 737s per month
NEW YORK — A Boeing Co. executive says the plane maker may increase production of its workhorse 737 even more than currently planned.
Boeing Chief Financial Officer James Bell told analysts on Tuesday that Boeing is thinking about whether to make 737s at a rate of 40 per month.
Boeing is already raising production to 35 per month beginning in early 2012. Bell says Boeing can make that many planes without major new investments in plants. It’s studying whether it has the capacity to make 40 per month, though, and whether there’s enough demand to support that many planes over the long run.
Bell says the company expects to decide by the end of the year. Boeing assembles the 737 in Renton, Wash. It’s based in Chicago.
