What was changed
Fortune charts Boeing's progress under CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took over on 8 August 2024 after the January 2024 door-plug blowout over Portland prompted then-CEO Dave Calhoun's retirement. Ortberg's four-part turnaround plan: change company culture, stabilize the business, improve execution, and build 'a new future for Boeing'.
The quarter before CFO Brian West's final earnings call showed the traction: revenue up 35% year over year to $22.7 billion, adjusted core loss per share of $1.24 beating forecasts of $1.31–$1.40, and free cash flow above expectations on robust commercial deliveries. Boeing produced 737s at 38 a month and plans to ask the FAA to raise the rate to 42 — the metric Morningstar calls the key indicator, lifting its fair value estimate to $249.
Culture is the plan's first pillar: after more than 33,000 machinists struck in 2024, employees helped write new company values and behaviors, and Boeing introduced a performance management approach focused on accountability and career development. Leadership churn continued — the defense unit's CEO was dismissed in September 2024 after a $913 million quarterly loss, with veteran Steve Parker installed in July 2025 — alongside a 10% workforce layoff announced in October 2024.
What it achieved
Q2 2025 revenue up 35% YoY to $22.7B; 737 output at 38 a month, FAA approval sought for 42; Morningstar raised fair value $242 to $249.
Why it worked
Ortberg sequenced culture ahead of output, betting production quality follows from trust — West told investors quality and efficiency were improving.
Concentrated leadership accountability (firing the defense chief after a $913M loss quarter) tied the plan to consequences.
The production rate, not headline earnings, is the metric analysts watch, so demonstrating a step from 38 toward 42 a month is the recovery made visible.
What can be applied
A plan that names culture first can still move numbers: new values, accountability-based reviews and leadership consequences came before the production recovery, not after.
Aftermath
West stepped down in mid-August 2025 for a senior advisor role; former Lockheed Martin CFO Jesus 'Jay' Malave took over on 15 August. Ortberg's own words: 'It's turning a big ship around. We still have a lot of work to do.'
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