Boeing Faces Challenges in Increasing 787 Production Rate
Boeing recently announced that its 787 production rate was five per month during the last quarter of 2023. However, the US planemaker is facing supplier shortages on key parts, which is expected to slow down the increase in production and deliveries of its widebody jets.
According to a memo from Scott Stocker, 787 vice president and general manager, Boeing is working to manage through the supplier shortages to meet the strong demand for its aircraft. The company remains committed to steadily increasing its production rate, but the challenges with certain parts are causing delays.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is closely monitoring the situation and is in communication with Boeing to ensure that all airplanes leaving the factory are safe and compliant. The agency retains the authority to issue airworthiness certificates for all Boeing 787s.
Boeing is set to report its earnings on Wednesday and is facing scrutiny over the manufacturing of its 777 and 787 widebody jets. The company engineer, Sam Salehpour, raised concerns about potential fatigue failure in some areas of the 787 Dreamliner due to inadequate shimming.
In addition to the challenges with the 787 production, Boeing’s production of its 737 MAX single-aisle jet has also been impacted by regulatory checks and assembly line slowdowns. The company’s safety culture and manufacturing quality have been questioned following incidents like the mid-air panel blowout on a 737 MAX 9 earlier this year.
Overall, the aerospace industry is grappling with supply chain issues and labor shortages, leading to delays in deliveries to airlines. Boeing is working to address these challenges and ensure the safety and quality of its aircraft.