Boeing has announced that Kelly Ortberg will assume the role of President and CEO, succeeding Dave Calhoun, who announced that he will step down later in 2024. The news, first hinted at by The Air Current, has now been officially confirmed by Boeing. Calhoun, who has been at the helm since January 2020, will hand over the reins to Ortberg on August 8, 2024.

Kelly Ortberg: A Distinguished Career

Kelly Ortberg brings a wealth of experience to Boeing, having previously served as CEO of Collins Aerospace and Rockwell Collins. His extensive career in aviation spans over 35 years, beginning with a position as a program manager at Collins in 1987, where he eventually rose to CEO. Ortberg also advised the CEO of RTX and currently co-heads an organization dedicated to annual school robotics competitions.

Ortberg’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Boeing, coinciding with the company’s Q2 results and following a series of new orders at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. In his statement, Ortberg expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to the role, emphasizing Boeing’s legacy and his dedication to continuing the company’s tradition of safety and quality.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to join this iconic company. Boeing has a tremendous and rich history as a leader and pioneer in our industry, and I am committed to working together with the more than 170,000 dedicated employees to continue that tradition with safety and quality at the forefront. There is much work to be done, and I am looking forward to getting started,” Ortberg remarked.

A New Era for Boeing

Dave Calhoun announced his intention to step down in March 2024, a decision that followed several incidents, including an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX losing a door mid-flight. This announcement has fueled speculation about who would succeed him. With Ortberg’s appointment, there is hope that his external perspective will help Boeing navigate and overcome its recent challenges.

Willie Walsh, leader of IATA, highlighted the importance of understanding past issues for Boeing’s new leadership. “It is not for me to say who should be running Boeing. But I think an understanding of what went wrong in the past—that’s very important,” Walsh commented.

As Boeing embarks on this new chapter under Kelly Ortberg’s leadership, the aviation industry will be watching closely to see how his experience and vision shape the future of this iconic company.