Today’s key stories focus on Boeing’s new CEO bringing a fresh approach to the position, including relocating to Seattle. Kelly Ortberg walked the factory floor in Renton on his first day to see firsthand the troubled 737 assembly process, and better understand the issues therein. Industry pundits are praising the new CEO for positive and immediate changes that will be necessary to turn around the company.
Fallout from the NTSB hearings include stories about Boeing retaliation against employees who worked on the door, the punishment of whistleblowers, and the first hand accounts of the Alaska Airlines crew in the aftermath of the event. Perhaps the most telling answer of the session was Boeing’s inability to promise than another door plug blowout will not happen tomorrow, indicating that flaws remain in the safety and quality processes at Boeing.
The impacts of Boeing’s inability to deliver aircraft is impacting customers, in the latest case Ryanair, who are buying back shares due to the excess cash on hand from not taking new aircraft deliveries.
Finally, with regard to Boeing’s space operations, a new report finds that Boeing rockets, which are also behind schedule, are built with an unqualified work force. Kelly Ortberg was correct when on his first day he stated that there is a lot to do.
Links to today’s key stories follow:
- Boeing’s new CEO touts transparency, plans to walk factory floor – BNN Bloomberg
- Boeing’s new CEO is already making an overdue change his first day on the job – CNN
- Alaska Airlines flight attendants recount terrifying moments after door plug blew out – The Oregonian
- Shocking punishment Boeing bosses handed whistleblower who complained about ‘garbage’ safety as jet maker identity is revealed – Daily Mail
- NTSB chair: Boeing retaliated against 2 who worked on blown-out 737 door – Fresno Bee
- Boeing execs admit they can’t promise another door plug blowout wont ‘happen tomorrow’ – Independent
- Ryanair adds to share buyback plans after delivery delays – RTE
- A new report finds Boeing’s rockets are built with an unqualified work force – ars technica
