Boeing rolls out first 737 MAX built in Everett

Key takeaways

• Boeing rolled out the first 737 MAX built in Everett.
• The $1 billion North Line supports future 737 rate increases.
• More FAA inspections remain before 737s built in Everett can be delivered.

The first 737 MAX to be built in Everett, Washington, rolled out of the factory on Monday, marking a key milestone for the new production line. The 737-10, which was recently certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the largest member of the 737 MAX family.

Program leaders shared the moment with teammates on the ramp outside the production line, gathering in front of the airplane.

• “We had to be resourceful, self-organized and ready to figure things out together. It was fulfilling to see our efforts begin to take shape,” said Alex Aguinaldo, team lead for the Engine Hang Team, who came to share expertise from the 737 MAX line in Renton. “What we accomplished together is something to be proud of. So, to everyone here, our crew, our leaders and everyone supporting this effort, thank you.”

Why it matters: The new 737 production line in Everett, dubbed the North Line, is a $1 billion investment in the future of Boeing’s single-aisle airplane program to support planned production rate increases.

• The North Line opened earlier this year, adding a fourth production line for 737 MAX. It’s the first time single-aisle airplanes have been built in Boeing’s Everett factory.

Line validation: Over the last several months, teammates on the North Line have focused on low-rate initial production and FAA conformities — the process required to add Everett-built 737s to Boeing’s production certificate.

“We knew there would be challenges,” said Jennifer Boland-Masterson, senior director of Manufacturing for the North Line. “But our team rose to those challenges with resilience, grit and determination. We gave ourselves time to work through things and get things right.”

As part of the conformities process, the FAA continues to conduct additional inspections on the first several airplanes built on the line.

• This process allows the FAA to validate that the airplanes from the North Line are built the same way as they are in Renton.

Once the conformities are complete, the production line will be added to the Boeing production certificate and 737 airplanes built there can be delivered to customers.

What’s next: The first North Line airplane moved to the Everett Delivery Center, where it will complete standard preflight activities and additional FAA conformities. From there, the 737-10 will undergo planned change incorporation updates in preparation for delivery.

• Members of the Everett Delivery Center were present to receive the airplane, along with a baton from the relay event held for the opening of the line.
• “Today is about more than a rollout. It's about what happens when talented people commit to a shared vision and refuse to give up on the road that's difficult,” said Joe Encinosa, North Line production system architect. “It's about trust, teamwork and the belief we can accomplish something bigger together than any of us could accomplish alone.”
• The EDC has supported deliveries of Renton-built 737 MAX airplanes since 2022, but this will be the first 737 MAX airplane to undergo preflight activities at the site.

The North Line itself is already filling up with airplanes — with additional 737 MAXs already in the factory. Because the space in Everett is larger than Renton, the North Line can accommodate the longer 737-10 airplanes in every factory position.

“This rollout is the beginning of our story,” said Brent Kuhn, program leader for the North Line. “We’ll have plenty of rollouts to come.”

By Anna Volbrecht