Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has credited Elon Musk, the head of SpaceX, with helping to ease delays in delivering the company’s Air Force One presidential jet. Ortberg stated that Musk is “helping us a lot” in navigating through production issues, which will help reduce the risk of cost overruns.
The credit comes after Boeing’s defense business took significant pre-tax charges due to overruns on fixed-price contracts. The company has been struggling with delays and cost issues on the Air Force One program, with some officials predicting further delays until 2029 or later.
Ortberg also mentioned that Boeing is making progress in improving delivery times, thanks to the support of Musk. The CEO praised Musk’s ability to quickly identify technical requirements and suggest ways to simplify the production process.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s supply chain for the 737 MAX model is being assessed after a fire hit a US fastener producer in Pennsylvania. However, Ortberg assured that the supply chain is currently in good shape, with plans to increase output of the model to 38 per month by mid-2025.
The meeting between Ortberg and officials from the US Transportation Department and Federal Aviation Administration will take place in March, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2025/02/20/boeing-ceo-musk-air-force-one/79315763007