Aerospace sector veteran Robert “Kelly” Ortberg is taking the helm of troubled Boeing to succeed Dave Calhoun, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Conformation of the new president and chief executive came as the company reported a deepening of second quarter losses to $1.4 billion from $149 million in the same period a year earlier.
The results reflected lower commercial aircraft delivery volumes – down to 92 from 136 – and losses on fixed-price defence development programmes.
More: Qatar Airways adds 20 aircraft to existing Boeing order
Norwegian Air warns of Boeing delivery delays
Boeing chief apologises to crash victims families
Boing submitted its comprehensive safety and quality plan to the US Federal Aviation Administration during the quarter.
The 737 programme gradually increased plans to increase production to 38 a month by the end of the year, together with five 787s a month. The new 777X began FAA certification flight testing after obtaining authorisation.
Calhoun, who announced plans to step down after the mid-air blowout of a panel from an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 in January, said: ”Despite a challenging quarter, we are making substantial progress strengthening our quality management system and positioning our company for the future.
“We are executing on our comprehensive safety and quality plan and have reached an agreement to acquire Spirit AeroSystems.
“While we have more work ahead, the steps we’re taking will help stabilise our operations and ensure Boeing is the company the world needs it to be. We are making important progress in our recovery and will continue to build trust through action and transparency.”
Ortberg brings more than 35 years of aerospace leadership to the position when he takes over from August 8, including heading avionics and IT multinational Rockwell Collins
He was described by Boeing chair Steven Mollenkopf as “an experienced leader who is deeply respected in the aerospace industry”.
Mollenkopf added: “Kelly has the right skills and experience to lead Boeing in its next chapter” with a “well-earned reputation for building strong teams and running complex engineering and manufacturing companies.”
Ortberg said: “Boeing has a tremendous and rich history as a leader and pioneer in our industry, and I’m committed to working together with the more than 170,000 dedicated employees of the company to continue that tradition, with safety and quality at the forefront. There is much work to be done, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”