Boeing is facing delays in the production of its 787 jets due to issues with suppliers, causing the output to drop to below five per month. The planemaker expects these delayed suppliers to catch up and restore production to five per month by the end of the year. Boeing and its rival Airbus are struggling to meet the strong demand for jets from airlines due to challenges within their supply chains and factories, which will likely be a topic of discussion at the Farnborough Airshow in July.
Earlier this year, Boeing reduced 787 output to allow suppliers to catch up with the company’s demands. The plan is to return to a rate of five jets per month once the incoming supply of parts is back on track. Boeing is also working to increase employee feedback and production quality on its widebody jets, as well as its single-aisle 737 MAX. The company is facing increased scrutiny following issues like a mid-air blowout of a door plug on a 737 MAX 9 and missing bolts, but is working to address these issues.
Boeing executives have taken steps to boost production quality and increase employee feedback, as well as making structural changes to the 787 Dreamliner program. While the company has faced challenges with the supply of seats and heat exchangers, separate issues with fasteners on the Dreamliner are not currently impacting the production rate. Boeing has conducted a fleet analysis to address work that was not previously completed, leading to progress in resolving these issues.
Deliveries of the 787 jet had been halted for over a year due to quality problems and manufacturing flaws, but Boeing is now working towards higher Dreamliner production rates in the future. The company has set a target rate of 10 jets per month for the Dreamliner by 2025-2026, with plans to increase rates over the next several years. Boeing is continuing to work on resolving supply chain and production challenges to meet the strong demand for its commercial jets.
