Boeing’s has now resumed production of its 767 and 777 models, marking a significant waypoint for the US Manufacturer.
This resumption comes after a challenging period marked by a lengthy strike of 33,000 machinists. The strike, which lasted for seven weeks, significantly disrupted production and posed a substantial threat to Boeing’s operations.
Overcoming Challenges and Resuming Production
Boeing’s resumption of production of its 767 and 777 models mean that all manufacturing lines are back in operation after a crippling strike period.
To ensure a smooth restart, Boeing has implemented a phased approach. The company prioritized the 737 MAX – a major breadline for the manufacturer – followed by the 767 and 777 models.
Stephanie Pope, the head of Boeing’s commercial airliner division confirmed the restart in a LinkedIn post on Tuesday. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of #TeamBoeing, we have now resumed production across our 737, 767, and 777/777X airplane programs.”
The restart of these huge manufacturing lines was not a simple process, and involved the co-ordination of a number of parties and elements.
“Our teammates have worked methodically to warm up our factories in the Pacific Northwest, using Boeing’s Safety Management System to identify and address potential issues and ensure a safe and orderly restart,” said Pope.
Impact on the Strike
The strike significantly impacted Boeing’s production output numbers, particularly in November 2024.
During that month, Boeing delivered only 13 commercial jets, a sharp decline compared to the 56 delivered in the same period the previous year.
The strike also caused disruptions in the production lines for the 767, 777, and 777X models. This led to further delays in production and deliveries. While Boeing has resumed production, it will take time to fully recover from the impact of the strike and return to its pre-strike production levels.
Recent South Carolina Investment
Boeing has also invested heavily in its South Carolina 787 facility. This month, the US manufacturer announced a $1 billion investment to expand and upgrade the facility. It is aiming to increase production to 10 planes per month by 2026.
This expansion is expected to create 500 new jobs over the next five years. The South Carolina facility is now the sole production site for the 787 Dreamliner.
The South Carolina facility, which is non-unionized, continued its operations uninterrupted during the recent strike.
Primarily impacted were Boeing’s facilities in the Pacific Northwest, where the 737, 767, and 777 models are produced.
With the Pacific Northwest production lines now back onstream, Boeing will continue the task of reconsolidating its market position and restoring faith after what has been a horror year for the aircraft manufacturer.
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