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FAA Gives Boeing Green Light to Increase 737 Max Production Following Safety Review

October 18, 2025 – Washington, D.C.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Boeing approval to increase production of its flagship 737 Max jetliners to 42 units per month, marking a pivotal moment for the embattled manufacturer nearly two years after a serious midair safety incident led regulators to cap its output.

The move signals renewed FAA confidence in Boeing’s manufacturing practices following an extended period of heightened oversight and limited production stemming from a near-catastrophic event in January 2024.

That incident involved a 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines, which experienced a structural failure when a door plug tore off mid-flight shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. While the plane returned safely without fatalities, a subsequent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that Boeing had failed to reinstall key bolts during final assembly — a glaring lapse that reignited scrutiny over the company’s safety protocols.


FAA Oversight Remains in Place

In a statement Friday, the FAA confirmed that it had conducted “extensive reviews” of Boeing’s production lines and determined the manufacturer could safely raise its production rate from the current limit of 38 to 42 aircraft per month.

“FAA safety inspectors conducted extensive reviews of Boeing’s production lines to ensure that this small production rate increase will be done safely,” the agency said.

While the regulatory green light reflects progress, the FAA emphasized that its oversight of Boeing remains active and ongoing. The agency’s move follows its recent decision to allow Boeing to resume limited self-certification of aircraft — a practice suspended in the wake of previous safety scandals.


Boeing Eyes a Steady Climb to Recovery

Boeing welcomed the FAA’s decision and said it would work closely with suppliers to meet the new production target.

“We appreciate the work by our team, our suppliers and the FAA to ensure we are prepared to increase production with safety and quality at the forefront,” the company said in a statement.

CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took the helm last year amid mounting pressure to stabilize operations, previously told investors he expected to receive FAA clearance for the bump to 42 aircraft monthly. Speaking at a Morgan Stanley investor conference in September, Ortberg outlined a step-by-step strategy to increase output:

“We’ll go from 42 and then we’ll go up another five, and we’ll go up another five,” Ortberg said. “We’ll get to where that inventory is more balanced with the supply chain, probably around the 47 a month production rate.”

Such increases are essential for Boeing’s financial turnaround. The bulk of aircraft payments are made upon delivery, meaning higher output directly supports revenue growth. The company has not posted an annual profit since 2018, the year before the global grounding of the Max line following two fatal crashes.


From Crisis to Course Correction

The FAA’s latest decision marks a potential inflection point in Boeing’s long effort to regain regulatory trust and market stability. The 737 Max program had been the cornerstone of Boeing’s commercial aircraft strategy before being crippled by two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, which killed a combined 346 people and led to the global grounding of the aircraft for nearly two years.

Subsequent challenges — including the COVID-19 pandemic, supplier disruptions, and a labor strike at Boeing’s Seattle-area factories — further disrupted production and delivery schedules.

Now, as the aerospace giant ramps up deliveries to levels not seen since 2018, analysts are closely watching for signs that Boeing can turn operational progress into financial performance. The company is scheduled to release its next quarterly earnings report on October 29, with investors eager for updates on deliveries, margins, and production timelines.


Industry Reactions and Outlook

Aviation analysts say the FAA’s production nod is both symbolic and strategic — signaling to global regulators and airline customers that Boeing is once again capable of scaling its operations under strict safety regimes.

Still, many warn that Boeing cannot afford any future missteps. Even as production ramps up, reputational damage and lingering concerns about oversight continue to shadow the company.

“The FAA isn’t giving Boeing a blank check,” said aviation analyst Mark Goren of FlightScope Strategies. “They’re signaling a conditional vote of confidence — not a full return to business as usual.”

With travel demand surging and airline backlogs growing, the production boost could help Boeing claw back market share from Airbus, its European rival. However, the path forward remains delicate, with safety, supply chain resilience, and public trust all still at play.


Upcoming Coverage:

  • October 29: Boeing Q3 Earnings Report
  • November: FAA review of Boeing’s expanded self-certification plan
  • December: Anticipated supplier summit on scaling production to 47/month

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