Boeing 737 program starts building at higher production rate

Boeing has begun assembly of the first Next-Generation 737 to be built at the rate of 38 airplanes per month. Over the past two years, production of the 737 has risen more than 20%, from 31.5 to 38 airplanes a month. In 2014, the rate will go up again to 42 airplanes a month. On January 29th mechanics completed loading initial parts of the spars – internal support structures in the wings – into an automated spar-assembly machine. The spar is the first step in building the wings and marks the start of major manufacturing for an airplane.