The Aerospace giant has resumed production of the troubled 737 MAX at the company’s Renton, Washington factory after an almost five-month pause. The company said it would restart production at a low rate as it implements more than a dozen initiatives focused on enhancing workplace safety and product quality.
The 737 Max was grounded back in March 2018 after two fatal crashes that killed a total of 346 people. Boeing continued to produce the aircraft but in December of 2019 announced plans to suspend production.
The company has said that during the suspension, mechanics and engineers have worked together to standardise work packages and revamp the kitting process to ensure employees have everything they need to build the aeroplane.
We’ve been on a continuous journey to evolve our production system and make it even stronger. These initiatives are the next step in creating the optimal build environment for the 737 MAX.
Walt Odisho, vice president and general manager of the 737 program
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Boeing doesn’t expect the 737 Max to fly again until at least the middle of 2020 although it has yet to be cleared to return by the FAA. Boeing recently announced plans to lay off almost 7,000 staff as Coronavirus continues to hit the aerospace industry hard.