Boeing's Resolute push

Boeing is pushing to build more satellites and more 737 MAX jets at the same time, widening its production bet beyond one factory floor. (boeing.com) The space move is a new satellite bus called Resolute, unveiled by Boeing and Millennium Space Systems in April 2026. A satellite bus is the core chassis and power system, and Boeing said Resolute is aimed at missions that need more capability than a small satellite but faster delivery than a traditional large spacecraft. (boeing.com) Boeing said its Space Mission Systems unit is targeting 26 satellite deliveries in 2026, more than double the prior year’s output and the highest pace since Boeing acquired Hughes in 2000. Millennium is supplying a large share of that increase as Boeing broadens production for defense and commercial customers. (boeing.com) The aircraft move is a fourth 737 MAX assembly line in Everett, Washington, called the North Line. Boeing said the line will be able to build all 737 MAX variants and will initially produce the 737-8, 737-9 and 737-10. (boeing.com) Boeing reported in February 2026 that the 737 program had reached a production rate of 42 jets a month. Reuters reported on February 10 that Boeing planned to open the Everett line in mid-summer 2026 as it works toward higher narrowbody output. (investors.boeing.com) (money.usnews.com) The timing is tight because Boeing is still operating under Federal Aviation Administration scrutiny after the January 5, 2024 Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX door-plug blowout. The Federal Aviation Administration said on January 24, 2024 that it would not approve production expansion or additional 737 MAX lines until it was satisfied Boeing had fixed quality-control problems. (faa.gov) The Federal Aviation Administration later said Boeing’s audit found non-compliance in manufacturing process control, parts handling, storage and product control. The agency also said it continued issuing airworthiness certificates for each newly produced 737 MAX while overseeing Boeing’s corrective-action plan. (faa.gov 1) (faa.gov 2) On the space side, Boeing is chasing a different bottleneck: speed. Boeing said Resolute is meant to cover the middle ground between small, quick satellites and larger, slower custom spacecraft, a segment that defense buyers and commercial operators increasingly want for communications and sensing missions. (boeing.com 1) (boeing.com 2) Boeing’s recent announcements show the company trying to raise throughput in two businesses that reward scale but punish production mistakes. Whether the push holds will depend on Boeing keeping regulators, airlines and government satellite buyers convinced it can build faster without slipping on quality. (boeing.com) (faa.gov)