Boeing's New CEO Makes Quick Changes

Boeing's new leader, Ortberg, is garnering attention for his decision to work from the company's original Seattle offices, a significant move given Boeing's relocation of its corporate headquarters to Chicago in 2001. While the company has not provided a reason for this choice, it comes amid ongoing quality issues that have plagued Boeing, including two fatal crashes and alarming incidents like a door plug detaching from a Boeing 737 Max during a flight. Industry experts, such as Richard Aboulafia from AeroDynamic Advisory, have praised Ortberg's decision, suggesting it reflects a commitment to addressing the company's challenges directly. Aboulafia noted that being present at the site allows for a clearer understanding of the issues at hand, contrasting Ortberg's leadership style with that of his predecessors, who faced criticism for their management practices. Despite Boeing's insistence that the headquarters move was beneficial for its diverse operations, the company has not indicated whether it might consider relocating back to Seattle alongside Ortberg. The ongoing production problems have raised serious concerns, particularly after a January incident where a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines flight, highlighting significant lapses in quality control. As Ortberg steps into his role, he faces a daunting task. Boeing has struggled with a series of setbacks over the past five years, including a guilty plea for misleading the Federal Aviation Administration, which will require oversight from a court-appointed monitor. The company continues to grapple with the ramifications of its production issues, underscoring the urgency of Ortberg's leadership.