“Our customers recognize the great capability and value of the 777 and 747-8. Market improvement and our conservatively managed approach to production have put us in a position where we see it necessary to raise aircraft output. Increasing our rate is the right thing to do to support our customers†said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, Jim Albaugh.
The company will accelerate the 777 programme’s rate increase to seven airplanes per month (from five per month) by approximately six months, from early 2012 to mid-2011.
The 747 program’s planned production rate increase to two airplanes per month (from 1.5 per month) will move from mid-2013 to mid-2012. Suppliers for both the 777 and 747 will be prepared to support the accelerated rate increases.
“We see 2010 as the year of overall economic recovery within the industry and 2011 a year where airlines return to profitability,†said Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “As a result, we anticipate an increase in demand for airplanes in 2012 and beyond.â€Â