Report: 737 Fuselage Deliveries Slow in December

Boeing is likely behind its monthly target for the type.

A 737 fuselage
A 737 fuselage [Credit: Shutterstock/VDB Photos]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Boeing likely missed its December production target for the 737 Max, with fuselage deliveries slowing to the low 30s against a monthly goal of 42 jets.
  • The slowdown in 737 Max fuselage deliveries could be attributed to holiday seasonality, while 787 Dreamliner production is estimated to be near its target at six per month.
  • This production dip occurs after the FAA recently approved an increase in 737 production to 42 per month, following a prior cap due to a 737 Max 9 incident, with the FAA continuing to monitor Boeing.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The delivery of 737 Max fuselages to Boeing’s plant in Everett, Washington, slowed in December, meaning the aerospace manufacturer is likely behind its production target for the type.

According to a report from BNP Paribas Equity Research, the number of 737 fuselages transported by rail from Spirit AeroSystems’ facility in Wichita, Kansas, to Washington fell to the low 30s last month. That would put the manufacturer behind its monthly goal of 42 Max jets.

The slowdown could be linked to holiday seasonality, analysts said, since a corresponding drop in deliveries was observed in January 2025.

Fuselages transported to Boeing in December will likely be delivered as aircraft early this year.

BNP Paribas Equity Research also estimated the number of 787 Dreamliners being produced monthly based on flights of Boeing’s Dreamlifters, widebody cargo aircraft that transport components for the 787. There were around 70 Dreamlifter flights in December, analysts said, which implies production of six Dreamliners per month, close to the company’s target of seven per month.

Boeing in October won approval from the FAA to increase 737 production from 38 to 42 per month. The cap was put in place after a door plug on a 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines blew out during flight, causing an uncontrolled decompression.

The FAA has said it will continue to monitor production at Boeing.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE