Boeing is preparing to open its fourth 737 MAX production line this summer, marking a major milestone for the aircraft program. For the first time in history, the 737 family will be assembled outside its longtime manufacturing base in Renton, Washington.
The new assembly line, known internally as the “North Line,” is located inside Boeing’s Everett factory, widely recognized as the world’s largest building by volume. The facility became available after Boeing ended production of the iconic 747 and shifted all 787 Dreamliner assembly operations to North Charleston, South Carolina. According to company officials, the production line has already been completed and is currently awaiting final workforce training and operational readiness before entering service.
Boeing confirmed that the Everett line will work alongside the existing three 737 MAX lines in Renton rather than replacing them. The expansion is aimed at supporting higher production rates as demand for the 737 MAX continues to grow globally. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg stated that the new line will mainly produce the 737 MAX 10, the largest variant in the MAX family, while CFO Jay Malave described the facility as an “exact replica” of the Renton production lines.
The manufacturer has been gradually increasing 737 MAX output toward a target of 42 aircraft per month, with future goals of 47 and eventually 63 aircraft monthly. Boeing says any production above 47 jets per month will be handled through the Everett facility. To support the expansion, the company has reportedly been hiring between 100 and 140 factory workers every week. Initial operations at the North Line will begin at a low production rate as Boeing works to demonstrate quality standards and FAA compliance before fully integrating the facility into regular 737 MAX production.