Boeing's New CEO Kelly Ortberg Commits to Restoring Trust and Boosting Production

Boeing's new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, plans to be closer to the production lines to restore trust and improve various aspects of the company. Ortberg's tasks include mending relationships with employees, boosting output, securing labor deals, and fixing finances. He aims to be based in Seattle and will regularly visit key locations and suppliers.

Kelly Ortberg, Boeing's new CEO, is stepping into his role with a focus on restoring trust and increasing production efficiency. According to an internal message obtained by Reuters, Ortberg plans to be more present on the production lines, including a visit to Seattle’s commercial airplane programs.

Ortberg, previously the head of Rockwell Collins, has a daunting task ahead as Boeing faces significant financial strain and operational issues. His goals include improving relationships with employees and airlines, boosting production rates, and securing a labor deal to prevent a potential strike. Currently, Boeing produces around 25 MAX jets monthly with a year-end target of 38.

In addition to his Seattle engagements, Ortberg will visit Boeing's major supplier, Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas. Boeing recently agreed to reacquire Spirit Aero in a $4.7 billion stock deal. Ortberg emphasized that meeting commitments in building high-quality, safe aircraft is crucial for restoring trust. 'People’s lives depend on what we do every day,' Ortberg mentioned in his note.