Boeing could suspend or cut 737 MAX output: report

Boeing could on Monday announce whether to further cut or suspend production of its grounded 737 MAX plane, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday. Citing people familiar with the matter, the Journal said the US firm’s management increasingly sees a production pause as the most viable option. Boeing had already decided to reduce its production pace from 52 to 42 planes per month after two crashes led authorities around the world to ground the entire 737 MAX fleet in mid-March.

Steve Dickson, head of the Federal Aviation Administration, met Thursday with Boeing chief Dennis Muilenburg to express concerns the company was rushing to get the jets back in the air, the agency said. Boeing then acknowledged that the 737 MAX would not return to the skies until next year.

The company had repeatedly said it expected approval for the planes to fly again before 2020.