PEOPLE IN FOCUS
Alongside construction and tooling upgrades, Boeing invested in the development of the North Line team. By design, this team comprises both experienced mechanics from Boeing’ s existing programs and newly hired teammates. This approach ensures that safety and quality standards remain the North Line’ s top priority, along with strengthening ties between all four 737 production lines.
All North Line teammates, regardless of tenure, completed training in Renton. Newly hired mechanics completed the standard 12-week Foundational Training, followed by structured on-the-job training where they worked shoulder-to-shoulder with experienced mechanics. Teammates coming from other commercial airplane programs also completed training in Renton to learn the specifics of the 737 build process.
SLOW AND STEADY
The 737 North Line began operation in early July, beginning with a phase of low-rate initial production. During this period, the build process is intentionally slowed to allow for quality and conformance checks and to make adjustment as needed.
A view across the 737 North Line in Everett, where 737 airplanes will be built starting this summer.( Paul Gordon photo © Boeing)
Once conformity requirements are met, the North Line will be fully integrated into the 737 MAX production system. This integration will provide the essential capacity needed to support increased production rates in the future, further solidifying Boeing’ s commitment to meeting the needs of its global customers.
The first fuselage was loaded into the North Line in early July.
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER ISSUE NO. 53 21