The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that Congress has authorized Boeing Co. to once again issue airworthiness certificates for all its 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This move allows the American aerospace giant to increase deliveries to over 650 units per year, as it delivered 314 planes in the first half of 2026.
Boeing lost the privilege to self-certify 737 MAX aircraft in 2019 following two fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. For the 787 Dreamliner, the authority was revoked in 2022. Since then, external inspectors have been present in factories, overseeing the entire supply chain and implementing internal procedures to eliminate potential production flaws.
In the first half of 2026, Boeing delivered 314 aircraft to airlines and leasing companies, compared to 280 in the same period last year. The company aims to produce 650 planes this year. A key element of the plan is shortening the assembly time per unit, which is crucial for reducing debt, improving financial performance, and keeping pace with European rival Airbus.
Bottlenecks in engines and cabin interiors
The biggest challenge for Boeing in boosting efficiency remains the shortage of engines supplied by GE Aerospace, as well as insufficient components for cabin interiors, especially passenger seats. The company currently produces 42 units of the 737 MAX per month. This number is expected to rise to 47 by the end of the year and reach 52 by mid-2027.
– We are working closely with our suppliers to secure the necessary components and increase the production tempo – said a Boeing spokesperson. – Our goal is to stabilize the supply chain and deliver on the strong demand from our customers.
New wide-body aircraft enters the race
Boeing has also announced the successful completion of tests for its new twin-engine long-range aircraft, the 777X, which will enter service with selected airlines next year. This model is intended to strengthen Boeing’s position in the lucrative wide-body market, directly challenging the Airbus A350.
As of the end of June 2026, Boeing held orders for approximately 6,200 aircraft of various types. The company’s backlog represents several years of production, providing a solid foundation for the ramp-up plans. The renewed ability to self-certificate is expected to reduce delivery delays and restore customer confidence after years of production setbacks.
The financial situation of the company remains strained, but the increased delivery pace is seen as a critical path to generating cash flow and servicing debt. Investors are closely watching the production numbers, as any miss could further damage the stock price.
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