Leeham News
• Howard Hardee
Reducing traveled work at Spirit AeroSystems’ former facility in Wichita, Kansas, remains critical to Boeing’s effort to reintegrate the operation and increase 737 MAX production rates. The persistent issue underscores the manufacturing and integration challenges accompanying Boeing’s Spirit takeover.
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Members of a Boeing engineers’ union voted down a proposed four-year employment agreement last week, leaving the parties without a defined path forward. The rejection raises the risk of fresh labor disruption after Boeing machinists walked off the job in 2024 and 2025.
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Reducing traveled work at Spirit AeroSystems’ former facility in Wichita, Kansas, remains critical to Boeing’s effort to reintegrate the operation and increase 737 MAX production rates. The persistent issue underscores the manufacturing and integration challenges accompanying Boeing’s Spirit takeover.
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A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III flew from the Washington area through Riga, Latvia, to Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on Aug. 25, reportedly carrying CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The aircraft’s mission and the purpose of Ratcliffe’s reported meetings in Moscow were not publicly disclosed.
French Polynesia’s government has proposed an XPF8.5 billion ($82.9 million) loan to Air Tahiti Nui for cabin refurbishments across the airline’s four Boeing 787-9s. The financing remains subject to approval by the territory’s assembly, linking the carrier’s product investment to public-sector support.
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The sole-source, 11-year IDIQ contract covers virtually every element of Boeing’s F-15 Eagle Crest program, including new production, upgrades and sustainment. Its Foreign Military Sales scope names Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Poland as potential customers.
Mammoth Freighters has delivered its first converted Boeing 777-200LRMF to aircraft trader Jetran, marking the program’s entry into service. The aircraft is destined for DHL’s network, giving the long-haul freighter market another source of converted 777 capacity as demand for large, efficient cargo aircraft remains strategically important.
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Boeing is evaluating a further increase in 737 production to 63 aircraft per month and has told suppliers to prepare for a potential rate of up to 75 per month. The analysis suggests a second 737 North production line could be needed as early as 2028.
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Boeing engineers and technical workers have rejected the planemaker’s proposed four-year contract and authorized strike action, increasing the risk of a work stoppage if further negotiations fail. The dispute could add pressure to Boeing’s already delayed aircraft certification programs and broader production recovery efforts.
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