Boeing Rolls Out First 737NG Built at New, Higher Production Rate

Boeing has rolled out the first 737NG built at the new production rate of 38 aircraft a month.

Panamanian customer Copa Airlines will take delivery of the Boeing 737-800 in early April.

On March 18, 2013, Boeing rolled out the first 737NG built at the new production rate of 38 aircraft a month. Panamanian customer Copa Airlines was due to take delivery of the 737-800 in early April 2013

The aircraft will now undergo functional, systems and flight testing over the next three weeks before being delivered.

Boeing is in the process of increasing the production rate on its 737 program from 35 to 38 aircraft per month because of market demand for the Boeing 737 family.

Since the first 737 (a 737-100) flew in 1967, the Boeing 737 family has attracted more orders than any other commercial jet family in history.

Next year, the Boeing 737NG production rate will increase to 42 aircraft per month.

Boeing plans to maintain or even increase that rate as it transitions to production of the new Boeing 737 MAX family by 2017.

Copa Airlines operates a fleet of more than 50 Boeing 737NGs. The carrier and its sister airline Copa Airlines Colombia are members of the Star Alliance.