Dow Jones Newswires | Boeing Co. announced Monday it will boost production rates on the
aircraft maker’s 737 next-generation planes in early 2012, citing strong
customer demand as the global economy continues to recover.

The company’s production rate, which is currently at 31.5 planes per
month, will be increased to 34 planes. Boeing, which along with European
rival Airbus has been eyeing production increases as airline and
finance market conditions improve, on Monday said it could increase
production again, depending on demand.

Boeing said it doesn’t expect the rate increase to have a material impact on its financial results this year.

On Thursday, Boeing said an unidentified customer had canceled an order for six of its new 787 aircraft, though it gained two orders for the larger 777. Net orders this year through May 11 stand at 108, including 28 cancellations, 16 of them for the 787.

Shares were up 0.3% to $69.89 in after-hours trading.