Boeing aims to speed 737 jet production in early June: Sources

Boeing is pushing to speed up assembly of its best-selling 737 jetliner the first week in June, two people familiar with the plan said Monday, as it tries to keep up with soaring global demand and its European rival. Boeing aims to reach the new rate of 57 single-aisle jets per month starting on June 3, up from the current rate of 52, said one of the people. The goal is contingent on the world's largest planemaker overcoming persistent supplier delays on engines and other issues that have hobbled the 737 factory to varying degrees since last summer, though Boeing says it is making progress. The extra five planes a month is key to Boeing's effort to raise profit margins on its top-selling jetliner, which can carry a list price ranging from around $85.8m to $129.9m and are the company's largest source of profit. <br/>