Years of safety failures, regulatory scrutiny, and industrial disruptions—culminating in a dramatic mid-air panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX in early 2024—left Boeing’s reputation badly scarred. However, recent leadership changes and operational reforms have brought a tentative sense of renewed confidence among some of the industry’s most influential voices.
Leadership Shift Brings More Direct Engagement
One of Boeing’s most outspoken critics, Emirates President Tim Clark, praised what he sees as a more transparent and responsive leadership style under CEO Kelly Ortberg, who replaced Dave Calhoun last August. Clark revealed he had never even met Calhoun but now has “clearer messages” from the new executive team.
“It was nice to meet the head of Boeing,” Clark said, adding that recent interactions have introduced a “cautious optimism” not seen in previous years. Emirates is one of Boeing’s largest customers, with a standing order for 205 of the long-delayed 777X aircraft, now not expected to be delivered before 2026.
Alaska Airlines Implements Factory Audits
In the wake of its own high-profile incident, Alaska Airlines has taken an unusually hands-on approach. CEO Ben Minicucci confirmed the airline now places inspectors inside Boeing’s assembly lines and performs quarterly audits to ensure accountability and transparency.
“We’ve seen quarter-to-quarter improvement in safety and quality,” Minicucci said. “Are they there yet? No, there’s still a lot of work. But they’ve put in a very deliberate process.”
The company’s senior leadership—Ortberg and Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope—have made frequent visits to factory floors in Seattle, aiming to stay closer to production issues and rebuild customer trust.
Production Bottlenecks and Regulatory Scrutiny Remain
While customers are acknowledging early signs of progress, Boeing’s production ceiling remains a critical hurdle. It is currently capped at 38 MAX jets per month, and any increase will require regulatory approval.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales, said the company had made “a lot of progress” in the first five months of 2025 but acknowledged that the road ahead is still steep.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that any scale-up in output will not be immediate, as they continue to scrutinize Boeing’s processes and ensure compliance with heightened safety standards.
Industry Support Emerges, but Pressure Persists
Executives from United Airlines, SMBC Aviation, and other carriers expressed a cautious willingness to believe Boeing has “turned a corner,” as described by United CEO Scott Kirby, a key figure in the push to oust Calhoun.
Peter Barrett, CEO of aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation, echoed that sentiment: “There is still further to go, but it is definitely an improving story.”
Still, executives made clear that this optimism is conditional. Airlines will continue to demand accountability, especially with certification of new models such as the 777X still pending, and the memories of past failures fresh in many minds.
Looking Ahead: Certification and Delivery as Key Benchmarks
Clark emphasized that Boeing’s next milestone isn’t just the delivery of delayed aircraft but the certification of those jets to higher, more rigorous standards that reflect a cultural shift within the company.
“The important thing is they get it out and it’s certified to the rigours of the new Boeing: the new approach to building aircraft, safety of operation, and all the quality controls they were having difficulties with,” Clark said.
The company’s performance through the rest of 2025—especially its ability to meet regulator expectations and deliver on major orders—will likely determine whether the cautious optimism expressed at this year’s IATA summit turns into long-term confidence.