Boeing on Building Drive

 Boeing has begun assembly of the first Next-Generation 737, which is to be built at the rate of 38 airplanes per month. Over the past two years, production of the 737 has risen more than 20%, from 31.5 to 38 airplanes a month.
In 2014, the rate will go up again to 42 airplanes a month. Mechanics have completed loading initial parts of the spars - internal support structures in the wings – into an automated spar-assembly machine. The spar is the first step in building the wings and marks the start of major manufacturing for an airplane.
"The first spar load serves as the defining moment for our latest rate break, and the 737 team did it as planned, on schedule," said Beverly Wyse, Vice-President and General Manager of the 737 program.
 "We have more hard work ahead of us, but we are well on our way to another successful production rate increase."
Employee teams have been instrumental in reducing 737 production flow by developing and implementing innovative efficiency improvements. The first Next-Generation 737 built at the new rate is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of this year.

Boeing Advances In-Flight Connectivity

Boeing continues to advance its suite of connectivity offerings on its family of commercial jetliners. Systems to be installed during production on the 747-8 and 777 by the end of 2013 have the capability to provide in-flight use for cell phones, Wi-Fi connectivity for passengers, Internet access using in-flight entertainment (IFE), and live television broadcasts. Additional connectivity systems are being evaluated for the 737 that could be available in the near future. The 737 already includes wiring provisions for connectivity systems. The 787 offers a post-delivery retrofit of systems that provide in-flight use of personal cell phones and Wi-Fi connectivity for passengers, and is working toward a full set of connectivity offerings as part of its standard catalog by the end of this year. The prime connectivity systems currently in development at Boeing are the Panasonic Global Communication Suite and Thales TopConnect system. Wireless media streaming is expected to be available on all new Boeing airplanes in 2014.