Boeing has reportedly been cleared to increase production of its 737 MAX jets less than a year after a frightening safety incident during a flight.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Boeing approval to raise monthly production of the jets from 38 to 42, according to media reports.
News organisations cited a statement in which the FAA, the U.S. national aviation agency, said its safety inspectors had conducted extensive reviews of Boeing’s production lines to ensure output could be lifted safely.
“Our team has followed a disciplined rate readiness process guided by our safety management system and tracked by key performance indicators that were agreed upon with the FAA,” Boeing said in a statement.
“We remain committed to implementing our Safety & quality Plan and working with our suppliers to increase production in a disciplined manner.”
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford informed Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg of the decision on Friday.
The FAA imposed a production cap shortly after a mid-air emergency in 2024 when a large hole opened in the fuselage of a new Alaska Airlines aircraft because a door plug was missing four key bolts.
The agency said it would continue to closely monitor the manufacturer’s production processes.
Boeing is expected to begin ramping up production immediately, with factory workers in the Seattle area already preparing for the shift by installing additional equipment and increasing capacity.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) shares closed $3.88 (1.82%) higher at US$216.82 on Monday, capitalising the company at $163.95 billion (A$251.7 billion).
