Boeing reaches rate of seven planes per month on 777 line

Published 10:24 am Monday, May 16, 2011

The Boeing Co. has returned to a rate of seven airplanes per month on the 777 production line in Everett, the company said Monday.

The company announced in March 2010 that it would increase production on the 777 to seven jets monthly by mid-2011. Boeing has slowed production on the twin-aisle jet during the recession.

“This rate increase reflects the strong demand for the 777,” said Larry Loftis, 777 vice president, in press statement. “It continues to be the clear leader in the 300 to 400 passenger seat market.”

Boeing recently rolled out the first 777 built at new rate, which reduces start-to-finish production of a 777 to 49 days from 52.

The company plans to continue ramping up production on the 777 to a rate of 8.3 aircraft monthly by early 2013.

“Our customers are eager to buy more 777s and the airplane has rightly earned the reputation as the market leader. Now, our job is to deliver,” said Loftis.

The 777 had won 48 new orders this year through the end of April and has a backlog of 280 airplanes, Boeing said.