Boeing Plans 737 MAX Production Increase, and More

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Boeing Seeks 737 MAX Production Increase as Financial Recovery Takes Shape Despite China Tensions

Boeing plans to seek FAA approval later this year to increase 737 Max production to 42 planes monthly, as first-quarter losses narrowed significantly and the company posted a surprise earnings beat.

Despite ongoing challenges from China tensions and tariff concerns, CEO Kelly Ortberg's focus on improving manufacturing quality and safety appears to be yielding initial positive results, reflected in the company's stronger financial performance.

Key Points

• Boeing reported a Q1 net loss of $31 million ($0.16 per share), dramatically improved from the losses a year earlier

• Revenue increased 18% to $19.5 billion, with commercial airplane deliveries jumping 57% to 130 aircraft

• Adjusted loss per share of $0.49 significantly beat analyst expectations of $1.29 loss

• Operating cash burn improved to $2.3 billion, better than analysts predicted

• Boeing's backlog grew to $545 billion, including over 5,600 commercial airplanes, showing strong future demand

• China has ordered its airlines to halt Boeing deliveries amid escalating trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs

What It Means

The quarter marks a potential turning point in Boeing's recovery journey, with improved production rates and financial metrics providing much-needed momentum.

However, the geopolitical challenge of losing China, a critical growth market, still poses a serious threat to Boeing's long-term strategy.

The company's ability to navigate these trade tensions while simultaneously addressing ongoing manufacturing quality concerns will determine whether this positive quarterly trend becomes sustainable.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. Hawaiian Airlines Moves to Terminal 6 at LAX

Hawaiian Airlines has relocated operations to Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport as of April 22, 2025, co-locating with Alaska Airlines.

This strategic move follows Hawaiian's integration after Alaska's acquisition and enhances connectivity with Alaska's oneworld alliance partners.

The shift provides travelers with better access between gates, counters, and baggage claim areas while streamlining operations.

3. Saudia Cargo and China Cargo Airlines Form Strategic Alliance

Saudia Cargo and China Cargo Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the World Cargo Symposium in Dubai to enhance trade connections between Saudi Arabia and China.

The partnership aims to optimize export operations and advance logistics services, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and China's Belt and Road Initiative.

The collaboration builds on Saudia Cargo's successful 2024 "Landing in China 24" campaign.

4. FAA Releases Report About United Airlines Flight That Led to Severe Turbulence Over Philippines

The FAA released a preliminary report on April 22, 2025, regarding a United Airlines Boeing 787 that encountered severe turbulence while flying over the Philippines on March 27.

Five people were injured during the 20-second incident, including one flight attendant who suffered serious injuries.

The aircraft, operating as Flight UA1 from San Francisco to Singapore, continued to its destination after the turbulence event.

5. PhilJets Expands Order for Ascendance's Low-Carbon VTOL Aircraft

Philippines-based charter operator PhilJets has expanded its commitment to Ascendance's Atea hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, now planning to acquire 15 units in total.

The five-seat Atea features innovative "fan-in-wing" technology with eight vertical and two horizontal electric motors, reducing emissions by 80% compared to helicopters.

Ascendance is currently building a full-scale prototype equipped with Safran's ENGINeUS electric motors.

The aircraft is designed for regional travel with a 400km range and is scheduled to enter production this year.

6. HEICO Expands Aviation Tech Portfolio With Rosen Aviation Purchase

HEICO Corporation has acquired Rosen Aviation through its subsidiary Mid Continent Controls, marking its fourth acquisition in the past six months.

Oregon-based Rosen designs and manufactures in-flight entertainment products primarily for business jets.

HEICO expects the acquisition to be beneficial to earnings within the year.

The transaction continues the company's strategy of strategic expansion in specialized aviation technology segments.

7. Virgin Atlantic Launched Riyadh Flights and Now Confirms Seoul for 2026

Virgin Atlantic launched daily flights from London Heathrow to Riyadh, using Airbus A330neo aircraft.

The airline now confirms plans to begin daily service to Seoul on March 29, 2026, utilizing Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

The Seoul route was made possible by slots granted from Korean Air's merger with Asiana Airlines, strengthening Virgin's eastward expansion beyond its core transatlantic network.

8. XTI Aerospace Reveals Q2 Plans For TriFan 600 VTOL Development

XTI Aerospace has announced key engineering milestones for Q2 2025 as development continues on its TriFan 600 vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

Plans include engine and drivetrain supplier selection, noise assessment testing, FAA technical briefings, and the first flight of the "Sparrow" subscale model.

These achievements will support reopening pre-sales for the TriFan 600 later in 2025.

9. SKY Fund VI Secures $1.35B for Aircraft Sale-Leaseback Transactions

SKY Leasing has closed its flagship fund, SKY Fund VI, at $1.35 billion, significantly exceeding its original target.

The fund attracted diverse global institutional investors including insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds.

Already committing over $600 million to acquire 62 aircraft, SFVI focuses on providing capital to airlines through sale-leaseback transactions for new and current technology aircraft.

CEO Austin Wiley noted strong demand for SKY's approach as airlines seek to transition their fleets. The San Francisco-based firm manages over $5 billion in aviation assets.

10. Taiwan Launches First Domestic SAF Flights While Planning Local Production

Taiwan's state-owned refiner CPC has completed a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply pilot for domestic carriers, with the first flights using SAF taking off this week.

CPC imported 1,000 tons of SAF while preparing to begin domestic production in Q2 2026 at its Taoyuan refinery.

The initiative supports Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration goal of 5% SAF use by 2030, with potential domestic demand reaching 240,000 tons annually.