Investing.com– Boeing (NYSE:BA) has resumed production of its 737 MAX jetliner, its best-selling aircraft, more than a month after the conclusion of a seven-week strike that disrupted operations, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
Production restarted last Friday, marking a critical step for the heavily indebted aerospace giant as it works to meet a backlog of approximately 4,200 orders for the 737 MAX amid rising global air travel demand, the report said.
The restart comes after a series of challenges that have plagued Boeing in recent years, including two fatal crashes, the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and heightened regulatory scrutiny.
In January, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) capped 737 MAX production at 38 planes per month after a door panel missing four key bolts detached mid-flight on an Alaska Airlines jet, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.
The FAA had previously indicated the company was aiming to resume production later this month. Boeing plans to scale up production to 56 planes per month remain uncertain, the report stated.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker told Reuters last week that the cap on production levels would likely remain for several months before any changes are considered.
The resumption of production is a vital step for Boeing’s recovery, but challenges remain as it strives to regain operational stability and confidence in its manufacturing processes.