Boeing’s Backlog Increases to 61 Planes

Boeing Co. said it has 61 jetliners awaiting testing and finishing touches, one-third more than two months ago, a sign that the aircraft maker is falling behind in efforts to eliminate production bottlenecks. Seattle-based Boeing is reworking and testing updated versions of its 737 jetliner to meet U.S. and European standards, a spokesman said. At the same time, production of next-generation 737s is being doubled to 14 a month, starting this month. Production problems surfaced in October and contributed to Boeing’s $178-million loss in 1997. Boeing’s machinists union has expressed opposition to the transfer of work to a Long Beach plant the company acquired as part of its purchase of McDonnell Douglas Corp. last year. Two 737s were sent to Long Beach last week for finishing and another eight will be sent in coming weeks.