In addition to this, the company is making significant strides with the new 737 MAX 7 model and is nearing completion of final submissions for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. Deal shared with reporters, "We have just a few submissions left for the FAA. We're addressing a few issues surrounding them. I want the submissions to be perfect and for the FAA to feel comfortable, allowing them ample time to review."
Recently, Chief Financial Officer Brian West confirmed Boeing's expectation that the MAX 7 will achieve certification this year, facilitating its first delivery within the same timeframe.
As Boeing endeavors to increase production of its best-selling MAX narrowbody jet and widebody 787 Dreamliner, the company is grappling with supply chain challenges.
On Thursday, Deal acknowledged that the situation is improving; however, aerospace companies continue to train new employees to accommodate the surge in post-pandemic aircraft orders.
By the end of 2026, Boeing aims to raise monthly MAX production to 50 planes and increase 787 production to 10 aircraft per month.
In the short term, the company also plans to expand 787 Dreamliner production from its current low rate of fewer than three jets to five jets per month by the end of 2023.
Deal refrained from commenting on when Boeing would return to its previous rate of three 787s per month, but he noted that a recent 787 delivery delay to American Airlines does not signify a production slowdown.
Deal mentioned that Boeing is collaborating with a few suppliers, without disclosing their names, saying, "We're ensuring our factory remains stable, and you can expect to see that increase this year."
