United Airlines CEO Expresses Optimism About Boeing’s Recovery After Meeting with New CEO

Boeing’s new CEO, Robert “Kelly” Ortberg, has been making the rounds, meeting with top executives from major airlines to address concerns and rebuild trust. One such meeting was with United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, who has been vocal about his frustrations with the planemaker’s issues. However, after their lunch meeting, Kirby expressed optimism about Boeing’s recovery.

United Airlines, a top Boeing customer, has been affected by delayed deliveries due to the planemaker’s problems. According to Boeing’s website, United still has 484 unfilled orders with the manufacturer. Kirby’s meeting with Ortberg seems to have reassured him, as he stated in a LinkedIn post that he was encouraged by what he heard and has renewed confidence that Boeing is on the right path and will recover faster than expected.

Ortberg has also met with American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, indicating his commitment to engaging with key stakeholders in the industry. Ortberg, who previously ran Rockwell Collins, brings with him over three decades of experience in the aerospace industry. His engineering background and his desire to be close to his frontline teams in Seattle have been seen as positive attributes by Kirby.

Kirby noted that Ortberg understands the cultural changes needed to turn things around at Boeing and is committed to listening to employees and customers. This sentiment aligns with Ortberg’s message to Boeing staff on his first day, where he emphasized the importance of succeeding not only for the company but also for its customers and industry partners.

Boeing’s recent safety crisis, including the door plug blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9, has caused further delays for major customers like United and Southwest Airlines. However, Ortberg’s meetings with airline executives indicate a willingness to address these issues and work towards a resolution. This is crucial for Boeing, as its customers are eager for the planemaker to succeed.

Overall, Kirby’s positive outlook after meeting with Ortberg reflects a growing confidence in Boeing’s recovery. The new CEO’s background and commitment to listening and engaging with stakeholders have been well-received by industry leaders. While challenges remain, the meetings between Ortberg and airline executives signal a step towards rebuilding trust and delivering on delayed orders.