Boeing (BA) says it will hold production steady as it prepares its factories for higher output next year, signaling a cautious approach as the company works to rebuild manufacturing discipline after several turbulent years.
The planemaker recently received U.S. approval to raise monthly 737 production to 42 jets from 38, but commercial chief Stephanie Pope said Boeing (BA) will focus first on “stabilizing” operations before taking another step up, Bloomberg News reported Sunday.
Commercial plane deliveries (Company reports) 
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Dubai Airshow, Pope said Boeing (BA) is tracking several performance metrics to ensure the production system remains healthy. The company is still navigating the aftermath of the 737 Max crises, pandemic-era disruptions, and ongoing certification work for both the smallest and largest 737 variants, which she expects to be completed next year.
Narrowbody output is crucial for Boeing (BA) and rival Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY), given that single-aisle jets drive most deliveries and cash flow. Airbus has faced its own supply-chain bottlenecks, particularly with engines, though it still aims to hand over about 820 aircraft this year.
Boeing (BA) plans to lift 787 Dreamliner output to eight a month by the end of 2025 and to 10 a month in 2026, applying the same “stabilize first, accelerate later” philosophy. Pope said Boeing (BA) accumulated an engine cushion during last year’s 737 slowdown, helping it avoid the shortages that have weighed on Airbus.
One lingering challenge is the 777X program, which has been delayed again and is now expected to enter service in 2027—roughly seven years behind schedule. Boeing recorded a $4.9 billion charge tied to the revised timeline, which Pope said reflects penalties, revised production plans, and other fixed costs.
Despite the delay, she said customers have kept their orders, including major buyer Emirates, which is widely expected to place more widebody orders at this week’s Dubai show, Bloomberg News reported.
Stephanie Pope, chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes (Boeing) 