BOEING 737 PRODUCTION RATE INCREASES TO 35 PER MONTH

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- Boeing announced a second production rate
increase on the Next-Generation 737 programme, taking the rate from the
previously announced 34 airplanes per month to 35 in early 2012.

In May, Boeing cited continued strong demand for the Next-Generation 737 as
reason to ramp-up production from 31.5 to 34 airplanes per month and indicated
plans to study further increases.

This latest announcement acknowledged the anticipated long-term growth in
this market segment and the continued pressure to raise airplane output to match
expected market demand, the aircraft maker said in a statement released here
Wednesday.

"Our customers continue to show their preference for the Next-Generation 737
by exercising order options as well as by placing new orders," said Boeing
Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Albaugh.

"We've managed our current backlog efficiently and increasing rate is the
product of our comprehensive planning and preparation. We will continue to
monitor demand as we go forward," he added.

Boeing and its suppliers will prepare for the rate increase over the next 18
months, assessing readiness and ensuring an orderly ramp-up from the current
31.5 airplanes per month.

The rate increase was not expected to have a material impact on 2010
financial results, the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Next-Generation 737 programme continues to innovate in the
areas of improved navigation, performance and passenger comfort.

Boeing said the programme would deliver its first 737 Boeing Sky Interior in
October and was progressing with its implementation of a package of performance
improvements by early 2012 that were expected to reduce fuel consumption by two
percent.
-- BERNAMA


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