EVERETT, Wash. — Boeing has opened a new 737 MAX production line in Everett, Washington, as the U.S. planemaker seeks to expand manufacturing capacity, stabilize output and meet sustained global demand for its best-selling narrow-body aircraft, company officials said.
The new facility, known as the North Line, marks the first time in more than five decades that Boeing has assembled 737 aircraft outside its longtime Renton, Washington, factory. Company executives said the additional line is designed to support higher production rates while improving manufacturing resilience across the 737 program.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Stephanie Pope said the company remains focused on increasing production in a measured way after years of manufacturing disruptions and heightened regulatory oversight. Boeing has emphasized that production increases will continue to depend on meeting safety and quality performance targets established with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
The company said the Everett line will initially build 737-8, 737-9 and 737-10 aircraft and complements the three existing assembly lines in Renton. Boeing has said the new operation is intended to help raise monthly output beyond the current target of 47 aircraft, with plans to reach 52 aircraft per month once production is stable and regulatory requirements are satisfied.
The expansion comes as Boeing works through a backlog of more than 4,000 orders for the 737 MAX family, extending production well into the next decade, according to the company. Executives have said the additional capacity should improve delivery schedules while providing greater flexibility for aircraft requiring more complex cabin configurations or extended production work.
The production increase forms part of Boeing's broader recovery strategy following years of regulatory scrutiny, supply-chain challenges and production setbacks. At the Farnborough International Airshow, Boeing executives reiterated that restoring stable manufacturing performance and delivering existing orders remain higher priorities than securing new sales campaigns.
The FAA recently authorized Boeing to increase 737 MAX production to 47 aircraft per month, while agency officials said certification of the delayed 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants is expected soon, subject to completion of the remaining regulatory process.
Boeing said the Everett North Line has entered low-rate initial production, with the company planning a gradual ramp-up as it continues to monitor manufacturing quality, workforce readiness and supplier performance before seeking additional increases in output.
