The American aerospace giant Boeing has been authorized by the U.S. Congress to once again self-certify its B737 MAX and B787 Dreamliner aircraft. This decision will allow the company to ramp up deliveries to over 650 aircraft per year, up from 314 units delivered in the first half of 2026.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the U.S. Congress reinstated Boeing’s authority to issue airworthiness certificates for both models. The privilege was revoked in 2019 following two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX in Indonesia and Ethiopia, and for the 787 Dreamliner in 2022 due to production quality issues. Since then, external inspectors have been present at Boeing factories to oversee the entire supply chain and implement internal procedures eliminating potential manufacturing deficiencies.
In the first six months of 2026, Boeing delivered 314 aircraft to airlines and leasing companies, compared to 280 in the same period a year earlier. The company’s target for the full year is to produce 650 aircraft.
Production ramp-up and supply chain challenges
To meet its ambitious production goals, Boeing is focusing on reducing the assembly time per unit. This is crucial for paying down its debt, improving financial performance, and keeping pace with its European rival Airbus. However, the biggest obstacle to improving efficiency remains the shortage of engines from GE Aerospace and a lack of interior components, especially passenger cabin parts.
Currently, Boeing can produce 42 units of the 737 MAX per month. The company plans to increase this to 47 by the end of 2026 and reach 52 by mid-2027.
– We are making steady progress in normalizing our production lines. The reinstatement of our self-certification authority is a key milestone, but we still have work to do on the supply chain – said a Boeing spokesperson.
Boeing 777X and future outlook
Boeing also announced that it has successfully completed testing of its new twin-engine intercontinental aircraft, the B777X. The model is scheduled to enter commercial service with selected airlines in 2027.
As of the end of June 2026, Boeing’s order book stood at approximately 6,200 aircraft of various types. The increased production capacity, combined with the new 777X, positions the company to challenge Airbus more aggressively in the wide-body and narrow-body markets.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. SounderBruce / Wikimedia Commons
