Boeing will speed up production plans for its 777 and 747 models in anticipation of greater demand from commercial airlines in a couple of years.
The aircraft maker, based in Chicago, said Friday it will increase production of its fuel-efficient 777 wide-body in mid-2011 to seven airplanes per month from five. The ramp-up was originally planned early 2012.
Production of the latest version of Boeing's iconic 747 will increase to two airplanes per month from 1.5 in mid-2012. The production increase had been scheduled for mid-2013.
Boeing sees the airline industry recovering this year, followed by a return to profitability in 2011. That should lead to demand for new aircraft in 2012 and beyond, the company says.
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