Boeing has officially resumed production of its widebody aircraft, including the 767 and 777 models, following the resolution of a strike that had halted operations for several weeks. The announcement was made by Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), who confirmed that all of the company’s commercial aircraft programs, including the 737 MAX, 767F, 777F, and 777X, are now back in production.
The strike, which had been ongoing since September 13, was led by Boeing’s machinists, who are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 and District W24. The strike came to an end on November 4, after union members voted to accept a new contract. This paved the way for machinists to return to work on November 6, with a mandatory deadline for all workers to resume their duties by November 12.
The strike had significantly impacted Boeing’s manufacturing schedule, particularly its widebody aircraft programs, which are crucial for both cargo and passenger markets. With the strike now resolved, the company is expected to quickly ramp up production to meet the growing demand for its aircraft. The resumption of work also marks a return to full capacity for Boeing, as it continues to work through backlogs and ensure timely deliveries to customers.
Boeing’s return to normal operations comes at a critical time as airlines and cargo operators worldwide continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic and demand for both passenger and freighter aircraft remains strong. The 767F and 777F, in particular, have seen increased demand in the cargo sector, while the 777X is a key component of Boeing’s strategy to compete in the long-haul passenger market.
The resolution of this strike and the resumption of production is a significant step forward for Boeing as it looks to stabilize its operations and fulfill its outstanding orders. The company will now focus on addressing its backlog while continuing to support its customers with timely aircraft deliveries. The strike’s end also marks the restoration of labor peace at Boeing’s production facilities, which will help ensure the company can meet the aviation industry’s ongoing needs in the coming years.
