Business Column: Fix to Boeing's Max 737 critical to Washington

Last January, Boeing was poised for another record year. The company’s order book burst at the seams. Things seem to be going Boeing’s way.

In 2019, Boeing planned to step up deliveries of KC46 aerial refueling jets to the U.S. Air Force and the new 777 composite-wing jumbo jet was entering its critical test phases with plans to begin deliveries within the next two years. Boeing’s contracts for new aircraft climbed to 1,500 Dreamliners (787) and over 5,000 Max (737) jets.

The company is capable of handling increased production. Its mammoth manufacturing facilities in the Puget Sound Region are...