Boeing Studies 737 MAX Ramp to Record 70 Jets Monthly

Aerospace giant Boeing is studying an increase in production of its 737 MAX narrow-body jet to a record 70 aircraft per month. The news, confirmed on June 6, 2026, arrives as the company's shares traded at $215.45, a gain of 2.31% for the day, within a range of $213.63 to $218.37 as of 04:08 UTC today. Such a production rate would surpass all previous output levels for the workhorse model, signaling a pivotal test for its recovering supply chain and sustained airline demand.

Context — why this matters now

The potential ramp-up follows a prolonged period of production volatility for the 737 MAX program. Output was halted for months following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 and was subsequently constrained by regulatory approvals and post-grounding inspections. Production had been hovering around 38 jets per month through much of 2025. The move to study a rate of 70 monthly jets reflects growing confidence in both the stability of the aircraft and the depth of the order book, which includes sizable commitments from airlines like Ryanair and United Airlines. The study is set against a macroeconomic backdrop of resilient travel demand, though financing costs for airlines remain elevated relative to the pre-2022 era. The primary catalyst is the need to work through a multi-year backlog of over 4,200 unfilled 737 MAX orders, a figure that necessitates higher production to avoid losing market share to rival Airbus.

Data — what the numbers show

Boeing's current 737 MAX production rate is estimated to be in the low 40s per month. A jump to 70 jets monthly would represent an increase of over 70% from current levels. The company's share price reaction of +2.31% to $215.45 reflects initial market optimism. This performance outpaces the broader S&P 500 index, which was up approximately 0.8% on the same day. Achieving a rate of 70 jets per month would bring Boeing closer to the production tempo of its main competitor, Airbus, which has targeted a rate of 75 A320neo family jets per month. The following table illustrates the magnitude of the proposed change against recent historical benchmarks.

Period	Production Rate (Jets/Month)
Pre-Grounding (2019)	52
2025 Average	~38
Current (Early 2026)	Low 40s
Proposed Study Target	70

Analysis — what it means for markets / sectors / tickers

A sustained production increase would have significant second-order effects across the aerospace supply chain. Major suppliers like Spirit AeroSystems (SPR), which manufactures the 737 fuselage, and Howmet Aerospace (HWM), a key producer of aerospace components, would see revenue visibility improve substantially. Engine makers GE Aerospace (GE) and Safran (SAF.PA), through their CFM International joint venture, would also benefit from the higher volume. Conversely, the plan places immense pressure on an already strained supply chain; labor shortages and raw material inflation could limit the feasibility of the ramp or compress margins for suppliers if they cannot scale efficiently. Institutional flow data suggests hedge funds have been increasing long exposure to mid-cap aerospace suppliers in anticipation of such production hikes. The primary risk to this optimistic outlook is a potential misstep in the complex logistics of accelerating production, which could reintroduce quality control issues and regulatory scrutiny.

Outlook — what to watch next

The timeline for a final decision on the production increase is a critical near-term catalyst, likely to be communicated during Boeing's Q2 2026 earnings call in late July. Investors should monitor monthly delivery figures published by Boeing to gauge progress toward the higher rate. Key levels to watch for BA stock include the session high of $218.37 as immediate resistance and the 50-day moving average near $208 as support. The Federal Reserve's policy decision on June 18 will also be pivotal, as interest rate movements directly impact airline financing costs and, by extension, demand for new aircraft. Further clarity on the production study is expected before the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long would it take Boeing to reach 70 jets per month?

Achieving a production rate of 70 jets per month would be a multi-quarter, if not multi-year, process. It requires meticulous supply chain coordination, workforce training, and regulatory alignment. Boeing would likely implement the increase in gradual steps, perhaps adding 3-5 jets to the production rate each quarter to ensure quality control is maintained and supplier bottlenecks are alleviated.

What does a 737 MAX production increase mean for Airbus?

A more aggressive production schedule from Boeing directly challenges Airbus's market share in the narrow-body segment. It could pressure Airbus to accelerate its own A320neo production plans beyond 75 per month to maintain its lead, potentially straining its supply chain. The competition may also lead to more competitive pricing for airlines, potentially compressing margins for both plane makers over the long term.

Has Boeing ever built 737s at this rate before?

No. The highest production rate the 737 program has ever achieved was 52 jets per month in 2019, just before the global grounding. The proposed rate of 70 per month would set a new record for the model and place it near the upper limits of modern commercial aircraft production for a single type, testing the industrial ecosystem's capacity.

Bottom Line

Boeing's study of record 737 MAX output tests supply chain limits to capitalize on strong airline demand.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. CFD trading carries high risk of capital loss.