New Boeing CEO seeks to restore trust, meet factory workers
SUMMARY
Boeing's new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, began his tenure on August 8th, 2024, with a focus on rebuilding trust and improving operations. Ortberg will be hands-on, starting with a visit to the factory floor in Renton, Washington, where the 737 MAX jets are produced. He aims to boost production from 25 to 38 jets per month by year-end and secure a labor agreement to prevent a potential strike. Ortberg’s agenda also includes addressing safety issues highlighted by a recent mid-air panel blowout and resolving documentation problems. He will visit key supplier Spirit AeroSystems, which Boeing plans to buy back for $4.7 billion. Ortberg emphasizes the critical need for high-quality and safe aircraft, stating that restoring trust involves meeting commitments and improving both commercial and defense products.