Boeing resumes 737 Max production amid job cuts

The 737 programme has been disrupted firstly by the global grounding of the plane last year following two fatal crashes, and secondly by the Covid-19 pandemic that has halted air travel.

“We’ve been on a continuous journey to evolve our production system and make it even stronger,” said Walt Odisho, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. “These initiatives are the next step in creating the optimal build environment for the 737 Max.”

During the temporary suspension of production that began in January, mechanics and engineers collaborated to refine and standardise work packages in each position of the factory. New kitting processes will also ensure that employees have everything they need at their fingertips to build the airplane.

“The steps we’ve taken in the factory will help drive our goal of 100 percent quality for our customers while supporting our ongoing commitment to workplace safety,” said Scott Stocker, vice president of 737 Manufacturing.

The 737 program will gradually ramp up production this year after resuming production this week.

“But these signs of eventual recovery do not mean the global health and economic crisis is over. Our industry will come back, but it will take some years to return to what it was just two months ago,” Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said.

In April, airlines cancelled more than 100 orders for the plane and Boeing said it had received no new orders.

The aircraft manufacturer has announced job cuts of nearly 13,000 employees, mostly in the US. More layoffs are expected, some of which may come from the UK.

Boeing spent £7.6 billion in its UK supply chain from 2015-2018, with 21,000 people employed directly and in the Tier 1 supply chain.

Boeing www.boeing.co.uk