Boeing Aims to Ramp Up 787 Production Amid Supplier Delays and Quality Concerns
Boeing, the American aerospace giant, is working to restore production levels of its 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX by the end of the year. However, the company faces significant challenges from supplier delays and quality issues, a reality that will likely cast a shadow over the upcoming Farnborough Airshow. Despite these hurdles, Boeing remains committed to increasing production of the 787, aiming for a rate of 10 per month by 2025-2026.
Key Takeaways:
- Boeing is facing significant supplier delays impacting production of the 787 Dreamliner. The company has lowered production to allow suppliers to catch up but aims to reach a rate of five jets per month by the end of 2024.
- Quality concerns have also plagued Boeing, stemming from a January incident involving a 737 MAX 9. Boeing is under heightened scrutiny from regulators and has been forced to adjust production of the 737 MAX to prioritize quality.
- Boeing has been investigating a quality issue with 787s related to fasteners. This issue is separate from the supplier-related delays but adds to the ongoing challenges facing the program.
- Despite these challenges, Boeing remains committed to increasing production of the 787 Dreamliner. The company is targeting a production rate of 10 jets per month by 2025-2026.
Supplier Delays Cast a Shadow Over 787 Production
Boeing has acknowledged the significant impact of supplier delays on its 787 Dreamliner production. The company has had to lower production to allow suppliers to catch up on parts, with output currently below five jets per month. While Boeing intends to return to a rate of five per month later in 2024, this delay highlights the ongoing challenges in the global aviation supply chain.
Scott Stocker, vice president and general manager of the 787 program in South Carolina, explained that the plan is to "return to five a month later this year again as we see that incoming supply of parts comes back to where it needs to be." The company faces challenges securing a consistent supply of parts, including seats and heat exchangers, which has impacted production of the 787.
Quality Concerns Add Pressure to Production
Boeing has been under intense scrutiny after a mid-air blowout of a door plug on a 737 MAX 9 in January raised concerns about manufacturing quality. The company is working to restore production of the 737 MAX to around 38 per month by the end of the year, but it is clear that quality remains a top priority.
In addition to the 737 MAX issues, Boeing has been investigating a quality issue related to fasteners on the 787 Dreamliner. While Stocker assured reporters that this issue is not currently impacting production rates, it adds to the list of challenges facing the program.
Despite Challenges, Boeing Remains Committed to 787 Growth
Despite the supplier delays and quality issues, Boeing remains committed to increasing production of the 787 Dreamliner. The company is targeting a production rate of 10 jets per month by 2025-2026, a goal outlined during its 2022 investor day. This aggressive target indicates Boeing’s belief in the long-term viability and success of the 787 program.
While Boeing faces significant challenges in the near term, its commitment to ramping up production highlights the continued demand for the 787 Dreamliner. The company’s ability to overcome these hurdles and meet its production targets will be crucial to its success in the fiercely competitive global aviation market.
