Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is set to appear before the US Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on Wednesday, where he will admit to “serious missteps” by the aerospace giant in recent years. Ortberg, who took over in August 2024, aims to rebuild trust among consumers, investors, and regulators after a series of safety concerns and financial losses.
“We have made sweeping changes to the people, processes, and overall structure of our company,” Ortberg will state, according to an advance copy of his testimony. “While there is still work ahead, our deep commitment to safety will drive every decision.”
A Troubled History: Boeing’s Safety Concerns
Boeing has faced major production quality issues, with the most recent crisis occurring in January 2024, when a 737 Alaska Airlines jet lost a door plug mid-flight. The company also continues to grapple with the fallout from two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which claimed 346 lives.
Ortberg will acknowledge these past tragedies and promise a complete overhaul in Boeing’s approach to safety. “We pledge to make the necessary changes so this never happens again,” he will say.
Boeing’s Plan for Change
To address its safety challenges, Boeing is implementing a new Safety Management System, a framework based on industry best practices to proactively identify and manage risks.
The company is also undergoing a massive restructuring, aiming to improve both manufacturing quality and internal oversight. Boeing reported a $3.9 billion loss in January, partly due to a seven-week labor strike that halted production at two major assembly plants.
Will Boeing’s Reforms Be Enough?
Ortberg remains hopeful, telling Boeing’s 160,000 employees that the company is “starting to turn the corner” in its recovery. However, he admitted that true transformation will take time and action.
With Boeing’s reputation and financial future at stake, Ortberg’s Senate testimony will be a critical step in proving that the aerospace giant is committed to lasting change.
