Boeing plans to begin operating a fourth final assembly line for the 737 MAX on Monday at its Everett, Washington factory, the company said. The new line is referred to inside Boeing as the North Line and is intended to support long-term increases in output of the single-aisle jet.
Company leadership previously indicated timing for initial activity on the Everett line. CEO Kelly Ortberg said in June the company would "load" the first aircraft onto the Everett line on July 6, and described the North Line as a reproduction of the three existing 737 final assembly lines at Boeing's Renton plant, south of Seattle.
The North Line launch comes as Boeing moves to raise production on the 737 program from 42 to 47 jets per month after consultations with the Federal Aviation Administration. Boeing does not expect the North Line to add to production rates before early 2027, when the company aims to lift monthly 737 output to 52 jets. Separately, Boeing is examining the possibility of increasing the 737 production rate to as much as 70 jets per month.
Company officials have framed higher 737 throughput as a financial imperative following years of production disruptions, safety incidents and supplier constraints. The FAA imposed limits on Boeing's 737 output after a January 2024 midair loss of a door plug from a nearly new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9. That incident increased regulatory scrutiny and led Boeing to slow production while addressing identified quality issues.
Everett's factory is notable for its scale - it is the world's largest building by volume. Historically, the site hosted assembly lines for the 747, 767, 777 and 787. With 747 production ended and 787 assembly consolidated in South Carolina, the Everett complex now contains significant available floor space that Boeing is repurposing to expand 737 capacity.
The 737 MAX family competes in the high-volume single-aisle segment against aircraft such as Airbus' A320neo family. Airlines continue to face long lead times for new aircraft deliveries, increasing pressure on manufacturers to boost production where possible.
Summary
- Boeing is starting a fourth 737 MAX assembly line, the North Line, at its Everett facility.
- The company is increasing 737 production from 42 to 47 jets per month and aims for 52 per month by early 2027; a study is underway on raising rates toward 70 per month.
- The move occurs amid FAA-imposed production limits and heightened scrutiny following a January 2024 in-flight door plug loss on a 737 MAX 9.
Key points
- Manufacturing - The North Line expands physical assembly capacity within Boeing's largest factory by volume.
- Aerospace market supply - Increased 737 output is intended to address high global demand in the single-aisle segment and long airline delivery backlogs.
- Regulatory oversight - Production plans follow consultations with the FAA and occur within a context of strengthened scrutiny over manufacturing quality.
Risks and uncertainties
- Regulatory constraints - FAA limits imposed after the January 2024 door-plug incident could continue to affect production timing and pace, impacting aerospace manufacturing and airline fleet planning.
- Production and quality recovery - Boeing's ability to scale output depends on resolving existing production disruptions and supplier strains, which affect the broader aviation supply chain.
- Delivery timelines - Persistent high demand and long wait times for new aircraft could continue to pressure airline capacity planning and capital allocation.