Boeing is improving. Can CEO Kelly Ortberg keep it up?

Introduction to Boeing’s Stabilization

After spiraling from crisis to crisis over much of the past seven years, Boeing is stabilizing under CEO Kelly Ortberg’s leadership. Ortberg, a longtime aerospace executive and an engineer whom the manufacturer plucked from retirement to fix the problem-addled company last year, is set this week to outline significant progress since he took the helm a year ago. Boeing reports quarterly results and gives its outlook on Tuesday.

Progress Under Ortberg’s Leadership

So far, investors are liking what they’ve been seeing. Shares of the company are up more than 30% so far this year. Wall Street analysts expect the aircraft manufacturer to halve its second-quarter losses from a year ago when it reports. Ortberg told investors in May that the manufacturer expects to generate cash in the second half of the year. Boeing’s aircraft production has increased, and its airplane deliveries just hit the highest level in 18 months.

Shift in Boeing’s Performance

It’s a shift for Boeing, whose successive leaders missed targets on aircraft delivery schedules, certifications, financial goals and culture changes that frustrated investors and customers alike, while rival Airbus pulled ahead. Analysts expect the company to post its first annual profit since 2018 next year.

Challenges Faced by Ortberg

Ortberg’s work was already cut out for him, but the challenges multiplied when he arrived. As the company hemorrhaged cash, Ortberg announced massive cost cuts, including laying off 10% of the company. Its machinists who make the majority of its airplanes went on strike for seven weeks until the company and the workers’ union signed a new labor deal. Ortberg also oversaw a more than $20 billion capital raise last fall, replaced the head of the defense unit and sold off its Jeppesen navigation business.

Positive Changes Under Ortberg

Ortberg bought a house in the Seattle area, where Boeing makes most of its planes, shortly after taking the job last August, and his presence has been positive, aerospace analysts have said. "He’s showing up," Aboulafia said. "You show up, you talk to people." Boeing declined to make Ortberg available for an interview.

Another Turnaround

The Boeing Co. pavilion at the Paris Air Show in Paris, France, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Boeing’s leaders hoped for a turnaround year in 2024. But five days in, a door-plug blew out of a nearly new Boeing 737 Max 9 as it climbed out of Portland. The almost-catastrophe brought Boeing a production slowdown, renewed Federal Aviation Administration scrutiny and billions in cash burn.

Quality Problems

Key bolts were left off the plane before it was delivered to Alaska Airlines. It was the latest in a series of quality problems at Boeing, where other defects have required time-consuming reworking. Boeing had already been reeling from two deadly Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 that sullied the reputation of America’s largest exporter.

Customer Feedback

For years, executives at top Boeing airline customers complained publicly about the manufacturer and its leadership as they grappled with delays. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary told investors in May 2022 that management needed a "reboot or boot up the arse." Last week, O’Leary had a different tune. "I continue to believe Kelly Ortberg, [and Boeing Commercial Airplane unit CEO] Stephanie Pope are doing a great job," he said on an earnings call.

Ongoing Challenges

Boeing under Ortberg still has much to fix. The FAA capped Boeing’s production at 38 Maxes a month, a rate that it has reached. To go beyond that, to a target of 42, Boeing will need the FAA’s blessing. Ortberg said this year that the company is stabilizing to go beyond that rate. Manufacturers get paid when aircraft are delivered, so higher production is key.

Future Plans

Boeing and Ortberg also need to start thinking about a new jet, some industry members said. Its best-selling 737 first debuted in 1967, and the company was looking at a midsize jetliner before the two crashes sent its attention elsewhere. "Already there’s been a reversal from ‘read my lips, no new jet.’ I would like to see that accelerate," Aboulafia said.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Boeing is showing signs of stabilization under the leadership of CEO Kelly Ortberg. While the company still faces challenges, including quality problems and production delays, Ortberg’s efforts to address these issues and improve the company’s culture are paying off. With a focus on increasing production and delivering high-quality aircraft, Boeing is poised to regain its position as a leader in the aerospace industry.

FAQs

Q: Who is the current CEO of Boeing?
A: Kelly Ortberg is the current CEO of Boeing.
Q: What is the current production rate of Boeing’s 737 Max?
A: The current production rate of Boeing’s 737 Max is 38 per month.
Q: What is the target production rate for Boeing’s 737 Max?
A: The target production rate for Boeing’s 737 Max is 42 per month.
Q: What are the main challenges facing Boeing under Ortberg’s leadership?
A: The main challenges facing Boeing under Ortberg’s leadership include quality problems, production delays, and the need to develop a new jet.
Q: How has the stock price of Boeing performed under Ortberg’s leadership?
A: The stock price of Boeing has increased by more than 30% since Ortberg took over as CEO.