April 22 (Reuters) - Boeing ( BA ) said it expects a

slower increase in its 787 jet rate of production and

deliveries, as the U.S. planemaker wrestles with supplier

shortages "on a few key parts," an executive on the program told

workers on Monday.

Boeing ( BA ) said it still plans to steadily increase its rate to

meet "strong demand," according to the memo seen by Reuters from

Scott Stocker, 787 vice president & general manager to workers

in its South Carolina plant.