Boeing increases 777 build rate to 8.3 per month

Boeing produces a 777 on a production line in Everett. Courtesy, Boeing

Boeing said Tuesday it has started building the 777 at a rate of 8.3 aircraft per month, up 20% from the 7 per month rate it had been building the widebody aircraft (ATW Daily News, March 17, 2011).

The manufacturer said a rate of 8.3 aircraft per month is the “highest rate ever for a Boeing twin-aisle airplane … The first part, the lower lobe of the aft fuselage, of the first 777 [a freighter designated for Korean Air] to be built at the new rate was loaded into position in the factory earlier today.”

Boeing said the increase “reflects the strong demand for the 777.” It added that 1,049 777 passenger and freighter aircraft are currently in service.