Spirit AeroSystems is considering a plan to invest in "multi-use" production capacity if Boeing decides to increase 737 output.
"We are looking at any capacity that we add to be multi-use capacity," says Spirit chief executive Jeff Turner. "It would be capacity that we could also use for a large business jet or regional jet or things like that."
The Wichita, Kansas-based aerostructures specialist is Boeing's primary supplier on the 737, making the fuselage and other major components.
"You can rest assured we are with the programme, having lots of conversations about what the rate should be, and what does it take to make the future rate," says Turner.
Top Boeing executives have recently acknowledged strong interest in expanding 737 production in 2009. Boeing builds the narrowbody airliner at a rate of 31 aircraft a month, yet boasts an order backlog stretching for six years.
Rival Airbus is pushing A320 family production from the current rate of 34 units a month to 40 from 2010.
Source: Flight International
