(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.

(Reporting By Allison Lampert in Montreal and David Shepardson in Washington)