200? That’s one hell of an order.
The 373 assembly lines in Renton are working at near full capacity these days as it’s still the most popular plane in the skies.
Last year, they built 376.
That order is going to take a very long time to fill. I’d like to see the breakdown of exactly which 737 variants they are trying to order. The next generation 737, the 737 MAX, isnt’ scheduled to start deliveries til 2017.
201 737 MAXs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ERs (extended range).
Assuming that it stays in Renton, which I think it will because it is keeping the same wings and the new highly innovative wing line in Renton cost billions. I can’t see them bulldozing it down in 10 years. The MAX like the introduction of all new derivatives will probably ease its way into the production line of the -800s, and -900s, one slowly taking over the other.
It would surprise me if it does move to another state, but for Boeing it’s nice to have that card in hand as they negotiate with IAM for the 2012 contract. They shut down Boeing again next year for a lengthy strike, they lose.