Why Boeing Had to Boost 737 Production -- Its MAX Trails Airbus

"Boeing is at a disadvantage in terms of next generation narrow body timing because Airbus is doing a great job with the A320neo," said Richard Aboulafia, aerospace consultant for Teal Group.

First delivery of the A320neo is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2015 to Qatar, while first delivery of the 737MAX is scheduled for the third quarter of 2017 to Southwest (LUV) .

"Airbus is going to get there the better part of two years earlier than Boeing," Aboulafia said. "The best thing Boeing can do is to catch up with them as soon as possible. In this high-fuel-cost environment, it's a game of availability; it's all about timing."