Boeing to increase 737 Max production: The US Federal Aviation Administration has authorized Boeing to increase production of its 737 Max jets to 42 jets per month starting in November, a source familiar with the matter told Bloomberg on Thursday. This rate will remain the same for an unspecified period before increasing to 47 jets per month — with the FAA continuing to monitor the aerospace manufacturer’s factory performance.

We knew this was coming: Boeing started notifying suppliers earlier this month that the 737 jet output will increase for six months before another rate hike. The firm is preparing to boost its manufacturing again in April and once more in late 2026, with hopes of raising production to 53 jets per month by the end of 2026.

The infamous 737 Max: Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft has been under scrutiny due to safety concerns since Alaska Air technicians found some loose hardware in the door plug area on several of its Boeing 737 Max 9 planes following two major fatal crashes involving Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines in 2018 and 2019. The firm is reportedly working on a new replacement for the 737, meeting up with Rolls-Royce executives to discuss engine specifications for the upcoming narrowbody model.

US sanctions prompt oil tanker diversions: At least five crude oil tankers have diverted from the major Chinese port of Lanshan following US sanctions, which could lead to congestion at other Chinese ports, Reuters reported last week. Instead of unloading cargo at Lanshan, Chinese refiners like Unipec have rerouted vessels to alternative ports, including Zhoushan, multiple traders told Reuters.

Why was Lanshan port sanctioned? Last week, the US imposed sanctions on Rizhao Shihua Crude Oil Terminal, which operates an import terminal at Lanshan, for allegedly receiving Iranian crude oil, according to a statement by the US Treasury Department. The terminal in question handles one-fifth of Sinopec's crude oil imports, Reuters reported, citing industry players.

Tags: