Boeing's production cap remains at 38 737 MAXs

United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy visited Boeing's factory in Renton, Washington. He toured the facilities where the 737 MAX aircraft are assembled. During the visit, Duffy emphasized that Boeing is not yet ready to lift the production cap of 38 aircraft per month. Accompanied by Chris Rocheleau, the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Duffy examined the factory line and the training campus. He met with FAA safety inspectors, Boeing mechanics, and company leaders. Duffy praised the hard work of the employees but stated that there needs to be continued oversight to ensure safety. The Department of Transportation has made it clear that the production limit will remain until Boeing meets all safety standards. Duffy reiterated his commitment to not lift the cap until there is full confidence in safety and quality. Duffy also addressed the need for Boeing to improve its safety culture. This comes after a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX. The FAA has increased its presence in Boeing’s factories to ensure safety protocols are being followed. Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, acknowledged that the company has lost public trust and is working to rebuild it. He pointed out the significant backlog of orders but stressed the importance of returning to high standards of manufacturing. Duffy stated that Boeing still has work to do. He believes the company needs to meet its safety plan before any adjustments to the production cap can be made. Duffy concluded that Boeing is not “near” the desired production rate and emphasized the importance of safety for public trust in the aircraft.