The CEO of United Airlines expressed optimism about Boeing’s future after a meeting with the manufacturer’s new top manager.
United’s Scott Kirby posted his feelings on LinkedIn after having lunch with new Boeing CEO Robert “Kelly” Ortberg.
In the post, Kirby said he was “not only encouraged by what I’ve heard, but I also come away with renewed confidence that Boeing is on the right track and will recover faster than most expect.”
Kirby’s comments represent a stark departure from the past, as United has consistently expressed frustration with Boeing as the plane maker struggles with everything from quality control to delayed aircraft deliveries.
According to a report by CNBC, United has about 484 open orders with Boeing. Other airlines, including Southwest, are also struggling with delayed aircraft deliveries from Boeing.
The manufacturer has been struggling to recover since the door stopper on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 burst earlier this year.
But in his LinkedIn post, Kirby said Ortberg was up to the task ahead of getting Boeing back on track.
“His engineering background at Rockwell Collins, combined with his instinct to be close to his frontline teams in Seattle, makes for a winning combination,” Kirby continued in his social media post. “It was clear from our conversation that he is 100% committed, understands the cultural changes needed to turn things around for the better, and listens to his employees and customers.”
In his public comments, Kirby also praised Boeing employees.
“Boeing’s more than 170,000 employees have the expertise, drive and commitment to restore the company to being one of the world’s best and most important brands,” he said.
Kirby was apparently not the only airline boss to meet with the new Boeing boss. Ortberg also met with American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, according to CNBC.
Ortberg took over the helm at Boeing a week ago.
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