Supply chain fragility drives fourth 737 Max line decision

Over time, Boeing's commercial airplane boss wants a four-way split across its single-aisle production rate.

The systemic fragility of the global aerospace supply chain weighed heavily in Boeing’s decision to add a fourth 737 Max final assembly line – the first single-aisle airliner to be assembled under the roof of its main twin-aisle factory in Everett, Washington, according to its top commercial airplanes executive.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief executive Stan Deal outlined the company’s thinking around its own logistics and future production increases during a conversation with The Air Current on the sidelines of Boeing’s January 31 sendoff for the final 747 inside the Everett plant and future home of its new North Line for the 737 Max.

Subscribe to continue reading...

Log-in here if you’re already a subscriber

Jon Ostrower

Jon Ostrower is Editor-in-chief of The Air Current. Prior to launching TAC in June 2018, Ostrower served as Aviation Editor for CNN Worldwide, guiding the network's global coverage of the business and operations of flying. Ostrower joined CNN in 2016 following four and half years at the Wall Street Journal. Based first in Chicago and then in Washington, D.C. he covered Boeing, aviation safety and the business of global aerospace. Before that, Ostrower was editor of the award-winning FlightBlogger for Flightglobal and Flight International Magazine covering the development of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and other new aircraft programs from 2007 to 2012. Ostrower, a Boston native, graduated from The George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs with a bachelor's degree in Political Communication. He is based in Seattle.

Aircraft Production

Sign up to receive updates on our latest scoops, insight and analysis on the business of flying.

Jon Ostrower

FAA grants Boeing first post-grounding 737 Max airworthiness certificates

Boeing slows way down on Chinese 737 Max production

With hundreds ordered, United wonders when its new fleet will arrive

Boeing to open 737 Max line at Everett plant