The Boeing Co. plans to increase the production rate on 777 and 747 airplanes, both built in Everett, to meet customer demand, the company said today.
“Market improvement and our conservatively managed approach to production have put us in a position where we see it necessary to raise aircraft output,” said Jim Albaugh, president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Increasing our rate is the right thing to do to support our customers.”
Production rate increases could mean more jobs here at the Everett factory and for suppliers in Snohomish County. Last year, amid a severe downturn in air traffic, Boeing had announced a production rate reduction in the 777, which starts in June. Boeing also planned to cut 6 percent of its workforce companywide.
Boeing will begin producing seven 777s monthly in mid-2011. It builds five of the twin-aisle jets monthly now and had planned to increase that in 2012.
The company will increase the rate of the 747-8 to two airplanes monthly in mid-2012, an increase from 1.5 airplanes monthly initially planned for 2013.
Boeing said it has given its suppliers adequate notice for the rate increases.
“We see 2010 as the year of overall economic recovery within the industry and 2011 a year where airlines return to profitability,” said Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “As a result, we anticipate an increase in demand for airplanes in 2012 and beyond.”
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