Scratched Wires Trigger Rework on Some Aircraft
Boeing said Tuesday that first-quarter deliveries of its 737 MAX narrow-body jets could face delays after the company identified wiring with small scratches linked to a machining error.
“Our 737 program is performing rework on a group of airplanes to fix wires that have small scratches due to a machining error,” Boeing said. The company did not say whether the issue originated at Boeing or a supplier.
Boeing said production continues at its current pace of 42 jets per month, and it has informed the Federal Aviation Administration and customers. The FAA did not immediately comment.
Production Ramp Plans Stay in Place
Boeing said it still plans to raise 737 MAX production to 47 jets per month later this year and open a fourth 737 assembly line at its Everett, Washington plant this summer. Over the next few years, the company aims to reach 63 jets per month.
Shares of Boeing were down about 1% in afternoon trading following the update.
Company Says In-Service Fleet Not Affected
Boeing said all in-service 737 MAX aircraft can continue to operate safely and that it does not expect the wiring issue to derail its goal of delivering about 500 737 jets in 2026.
The disclosure follows Boeing’s update that it delivered 51 jets in February, its highest total for the month since 2018. February deliveries included 43 737 MAX aircraft, up from 46 total deliveries in January.