Boeing Targets Full Production Resumption in Seattle Before 2024 Ends

Boeing is gearing up to fully resume its final assembly of commercial aircraft in the Pacific Northwest before the year ends.

After a nearly three-month halt following a machinists’ strike, the aerospace giant is carefully working through its safety procedures and operational protocols to restart production.

As delays in aircraft deliveries persist, both Boeing and its airline customers face growing pressure to overcome the setbacks caused by the strike and ensure that production lines are running smoothly again.

Boeing has set its sights on fully resuming final assembly of its commercial aircraft by the end of December, marking a significant step towards stabilizing operations after a 53-day strike by machinists.

The strike, which ended in early November, led to a prolonged shutdown of Boeing’s production lines in the Pacific Northwest, including its critical 737 production in Renton and the 767 and 777 lines in Everett.

In a recent internal communication, Boeing confirmed that it is rigorously following its “safety management system” (SMS) to ensure that its workforce, tools, and operations are fully prepared for a safe restart.

The company is focused on addressing any safety and operational concerns that could affect production quality and timelines, as it aims to get back on track and fulfill its obligations to customers.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been closely monitoring Boeing’s efforts during this restart process. FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker visited Boeing’s 737 Max assembly facility in Renton last week to oversee the company’s recovery efforts.

Airline customers are increasingly frustrated with the delays, as the need for new planes is critical to the recovery of the airline industry. In October, Boeing delivered only 14 planes, most of which were completed before the strike, while it secured orders for 63 new planes, including 40 737 Max jets from leasing company Avia Solutions Group.

These delays have pushed Boeing’s timeline for receiving certification for new 737 Max models even further back, adding to the pressure the company is under to make up for lost time.

Despite these challenges, Boeing’s CEO Dave Calhoun remains optimistic, particularly highlighting the progress made by airlines in securing government aid to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the aviation industry.

However, as airline revenues are expected to drop sharply this year due to diminished travel demand, the demand for new aircraft has also taken a hit. Airlines are parking planes to align with the reduced capacity, further intensifying the urgency for Boeing to meet its production targets and deliver aircraft in a timely manner.

Boeing’s strategy moving forward includes strict adherence to safety protocols as it resumes operations, with the aim of regaining its position as a reliable supplier of commercial aircraft and meeting the expectations of its airline customers.