Boeing to Open New Narrowbody Production Line to Expand Single-Aisle Output Capacity in 2026

USA – Boeing is preparing to open a new 737 MAX production line at its Everett, Washington facility this summer, marking the first time 737s will be manufactured at the site and expanding single-aisle output capacity toward rates above 47 aircraft per month.

• The North Line will be capable of producing all 737 MAX variants, with initial focus on the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-10 models.
• The Everett production process will replicate the existing 737 build methodology used at Boeing's Renton factory, with the addition of the 737 Wing Transport Tool to ferry partially completed wings to Everett for final assembly.
• Staffing the North Line involves a combination of newly hired employees and existing mechanics drawn from Renton, Everett, and Moses Lake facilities, with the cross-site composition intended to maintain safety and quality continuity across the expanded 737 programme.
• All incoming mechanics — including those with decades of Boeing experience on other programmes — are completing Foundational Training followed by structured on-the-job training (SOJT) in Renton prior to the North Line's launch; SOJT pairs new employees with experienced teammates to consolidate skills before assignment to Everett.
• On entering operation, the North Line will undergo low rate initial production (LRIP), a deliberate ramp-up phase in which build pace is reduced to allow additional quality checks and process adjustments before transitioning to standard flow times.
• Boeing will use LRIP-built aircraft to demonstrate conformity to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), enabling the North Line to operate under Boeing's production certificate PC700.
• Following LRIP and FAA conformity completion, the North Line will be integrated into overall 737 MAX production flow, contributing additional capacity toward rates exceeding 47 aircraft per month.

Statements

• "This will be my first time working on the 737 program. But we are doing the training right. Even folks like me who have been around for a long time are in Renton now getting familiar with the program and the product before the North Line starts," said John V., FAA and customer coordinator, Boeing North Line.
• "Opening a new production line is something special. So, we have to do it right. Training went smooth and I'm excited and ready to get home to our shop in Everett," said Jaden M., Flow Day 1 installer, Boeing North Line.
• "Training was so positive and refreshing. It was different than any training I've done from other jobs. My managers and the workplace coaches were always there to make sure I got my questions answered and felt confident in my work," said Alondra P., electrician, Flow Day 1, Boeing North Line.
• "It's like running. We know how to do it, and we've done it before, but we need to warm up our muscles. You don't start with a marathon. You start with shorter distances and build up from there," said Jennifer Boland-Masterson, production leader, Boeing Everett line.

Source: Boeing