Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has committed to a “fundamental” culture shift within the aerospace company as it faces significant challenges, including a $5.99 billion quarterly loss and an ongoing strike affecting 33,000 workers in Washington and Oregon, as reported by The Guardian.
The strike, which began last week amid protracted and contentious labor negotiations, has halted production of Boeing’s 737 Max, 767, and 777 jets. In a message regarding the company's third-quarter results, Ortberg recognized the need for Boeing to rebuild trust, reduce debt, and address “serious lapses” in performance that have damaged customer confidence.
This year has been a tough one for Boeing, compounded by a cabin panel incident on a new Max jet and complications in its defense and space divisions, including a recent Starliner mission that returned to Earth without its crew. The company’s reputation remains under intense scrutiny from regulators, airlines, investors, and the public.
To address these issues, Ortberg pledged to actively engage with employees on factory floors, in back shops, and in engineering labs to ensure executives understand the operational realities. He emphasized the importance of identifying and solving problems at their root, aiming to shift Boeing’s culture “through action, not just words.”
Ortberg remains hopeful that the workforce will approve the new contract, allowing the company to stabilize production and improve execution. However, he noted that Boeing’s recovery will be a long process involving not only cultural changes but also refining operations, stabilizing development programs, and improving the balance sheet to prepare for future aircraft development.
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