Boeing confirmed on December 19, 2024, that it has resumed production across all its aircraft programs following a seven-week machinists’ strike in the Pacific Northwest. The strike, which involved 33,000 factory workers and ended on November 5, 2024, temporarily halted manufacturing operations, including the production of the 737 MAX, 767, and 777/777X aircraft. Boeing restores production after resolving the strike issues.
Production activities for the 737 MAX resumed in early December, marking the first step in Boeing’s efforts to restore operations. This was followed by the reactivation of wide-body programs at the Everett, Washington facility, ensuring the company’s manufacturing processes are fully operational again. Boeing restores its production lines carefully after such disruptions.
Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, provided an update on the company’s progress in a social media post. “We have taken time to ensure all manufacturing teammates are current on training and certifications, while positioning inventory at the optimal levels for smooth production,” Pope stated.
Pope also emphasized Boeing’s commitment to safety and quality during the restart process. The company utilized its Safety Management System to identify and address potential risks, ensuring a seamless transition back to full-scale production, showing that Boeing restores production responsibly.
FAA Monitoring and Safety Oversight
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been closely monitoring Boeing’s recovery efforts. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker expressed approval of the company’s cautious approach to restarting operations. Earlier this month, Whitaker highlighted the importance of maintaining safety standards as production levels increased.
In January 2024, the FAA imposed a cap of 38 planes per month for 737 MAX production after a midair incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9. During the flight, a door panel missing four critical bolts detached, revealing serious safety concerns. Whitaker plans to meet with Boeing again in January 2025 to discuss production standards and evaluate progress, especially now that Boeing aims to restore its production efficiency.
Delivery Delays and Recovery Plans
Boeing reported a significant decline in aircraft deliveries during the strike. In November 2024, the company delivered just 13 commercial jets, compared to 56 jets delivered during the same month in 2023. Deliveries also fell slightly from October 2024, when 14 aircraft were handed over to customers. As Boeing restores production, they plan to overcome these delays.
Despite these challenges, Boeing remains focused on stabilizing its production and meeting customer commitments. Pope stated, “As we move forward, we will closely track our production health performance indicators and focus on delivering safe, high-quality airplanes on time to our customers.”
