This move comes after a manufacturing error caused a temporary delivery halt. The company also assured that it would practice discipline in setting jet prices amidst the ongoing boom.
This resumption could support Boeing's ambition to deliver between 400 and 450 jets this year, a goal investors are watching closely. This target is part of Boeing's recovery strategy following a series of crises, including two deadly crashes and the pandemic.
Brian West, Boeing's CFO, expressed confidence about their delivery rate while speaking at a conference organized by Wolfe Research. "We still expect the first half of the year to be about 30 per month and the back half of about 40 per month," he said.
Earlier this year, Boeing had to halt deliveries of some 737 MAXs due to the incorrect installation of brackets that connect the vertical tail with the fuselage, manufactured by Spirit AeroSystems. This pause led some analysts to predict a delay in Boeing's plans to ramp up 737 MAX production to 38 per month from the current 31.
However, West reassured that the company expects to achieve this target within the year, although he did not provide a specific timeframe.
West also acknowledged some pressure on the upper limit of Boeing's free cash flow forecast, which ranges from $3 billion to $5 billion. This strain is partly attributed to supply chain issues within its struggling defense business, even as the company remains committed to its goal.
He noted that the current climate was favorable for price realization and reaffirmed Boeing's commitment to disciplined pricing. With carriers eager to purchase jets to capitalize on the travel resurgence, both Boeing and its European competitor Airbus have seen their order books expand, thereby boosting their bargaining power.
"We just keep on selling in the future," West added.
Earlier this month, Ryanair of Ireland revealed it had paid more per seat than in previous transactions as it announced an order for up to 300 Boeing jets.
