Boeing’s 737 Output at Risk With Key Supplier in Labor Turmoil

  • Spirit AeroSystems, union head back to table with factory shut
  • Investors weigh impact on Boeing plan to ramp up production

737 Max

Photographer: Chona Kasinger/Bloomberg
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The clock is ticking on Boeing Co.’s plan to hike output of its bestselling jet, as a key supplier heads back to the bargaining table in a labor dispute that has already shut down production of fuselage assemblies for the 737 Max.

Boeing’s goal of raising build rates by almost a quarter to 38 jets a month by mid-year and then beyond was put in jeopardy on Thursday when Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. suspended factory work in Kansas, where employees build most of the narrowbody’s frame.