The Boeing 737-700 ER
The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), the largest U.S. airplane and defense manufacturer, is expected to report higher first quarter earnings as the sale of more high-profit aircraft types offsets rising pension costs. Boeing

Boeing has ramped up production of its Next-Generation 737 by increasing its monthly output at its Renton, Washington factory to 35 airplanes from 31.5 planes to meet the growing worldwide market for the single-aisle commercial jetliner.

Customer demand for the popular airplane is increasing, and the latest rate hike is part of a series of planned rate increases, according to Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of Boeing's 737 program, in a company statement.

To facilitate the rate increases, Boeing is working on process efficiency, making capital investments, rearranging production areas and removing outdated equipment.

The company also plans to increase the production rate to 38 airplanes a month in the second quarter of 2013, and to 42 airplanes a month in the first half of 2014.