The 737 MAX has been a troubled program for Boeing, with two fatal crashes, a safety grounding, a massive inventory build-up, and, most recently, supplier quality issues with limited production. When we compare Boeing’s production targets with actual results, the answer is that Boeing fell short of its guidance. Let’s look at history and see if it can help project the future, something of tremendous concern to suppliers, as each hiccough at Boeing results in cash flow issues down the supply chain.
The program’s history includes an unprecedented 18-month grounding of the aircraft, and production and deliveries have been quite variable. The chart below shows monthly production and deliveries for the 737 MAX program.