Boeing rolls out first factory-complete 737 at higher rate

Boeing rolled out its first factory-complete Next-Generation 737 at the production rate of 35 airplanes a month on Dec. 4. The new 737-800 was towed to nearby Renton Field where Boeing conducts functional testing and first flights for all new airplanes. Though the airplane still must undergo testing and painting, the milestone represents a major step in demonstrating that Boeing is on track to achieve its announced rate increase of the popular jetliner to 35 a month in early January when it delivers the airplane to Norwegian Air Shuttle.