Boeing to start 737 Max production on new assembly line July 6, says CEO Kelly Ortberg
Kelly Ortberg, Boeing CEO, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss the company's 737 Max production, the company's track record and much more.
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Boeing
Search every verified Robert Ortberg interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote β each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In late May 2026, Ortberg announced that Boeing would begin production on a new 737 Max assembly line in Everett, Washington, on July 6, and that the company was increasing production from 42 to 47 aircraft per month. He stated that the company had "reset" its track record by ensuring the production system was stable before increasing rates, and that key metrics around production line stability had been "pretty good." On the company's first-quarter 2026 earnings call, Ortberg said Boeing was on track to generate positive cash flow for the full year and expressed confidence that an upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping could result in a large aircraft order from China, calling it a "meaningful opportunity." He also highlighted the defense sector, noting that the new defense budget included significant increases for programs such as the F-47, KC-46 tanker, and F-15EX, and said Boeing's defense portfolio was "well positioned" for growth. During the fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, Ortberg reported that Boeing had delivered 600 airplanes and won over 1,000 commercial orders for the year, and that the company had completed the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems and the $10.6 billion sale of portions of its digital aviation solutions business. On the third-quarter 2025 call, he acknowledged a delay in the certification and first delivery of the 777X, now expected in 2027, resulting in a $4.9 billion non-cash charge, but noted that the company had turned cash positive in the quarter and was receiving positive customer feedback on quality and delivery performance. Earlier in 2025, Ortberg discussed the company's efforts to manage tariff risks, the selection of Boeing for the F-47 sixth-generation fighter program, and the equity raise and divestiture that strengthened the balance sheet.
“We delivered 600 airplanes and won more than 1,000 commercial orders for the year, making this one of our highest order totals ever as our portfolio continues to win in the market.”
“Before the year end, we took another important step forward supporting our production stability by completing the acquisition of Spirit Aeros Systems. Bringing together our companies reinforces our efforts to improve safety and quality throughout our factories, operations, and supply chain.”
“We also successfully completed the $10.6 billion Jefferson sale, solidifying our balance sheet while retaining essential digital capabilities for our customers.”
“I think the fundamental is we have to get a handle on what risks we're taking and understand the risks. And I think building an airplane is not an easy task. There are significant risks and we'll continue to take the risk. The issue that I think we've got to improve upon is how we manage ourselves through those risks a...”
Kelly Ortberg, Boeing CEO, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss the company's 737 Max production, the company's track record and much more.
... to Boeing's quarterly earnings call with me today are Kelly Ortberg Boeing's president and chief executive officer and Jay MoaveΒ ...
In an exclusive interview with CNBC, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg analyzed the first-quarter results, highlighting the stabilization of 737 Max production at 42 units per month, with a goal of reaching 47 by the American summer. Ortberg expressed optimism regarding the imminent meeting between Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, believing that dialogue between the countries could unlock aircraft orders in China, a market where the company has had little activity in recent years. In addition to commercial aviation, the executive celebrated records in the defense sector and reaffirmed theβ¦
Morning welcome to Boeing's quarterly earnings call with me today are Kelly Ortberg Boeing's president and chief executiveΒ ...
Under sharp questioning from U.S. Senators Wednesday, the CEO of Boeing acknowledged a lax safety culture existed at theΒ ...... Mr kelly Ortberg the president and chief executive officer of the Boeing company mr ortberg joined Boeing in this role in AugustΒ ...
CNBC's Phil LeBeau sits down with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg to discuss the company's most recent earnings, expectations for deliveries, and more. For access to live and exclusive video from CNBC subscribe to CNBC PRO: https://cnb.cx/42d859g Β» Subscribe to CNBC TV: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCtelevision Β» Subscribe to CNBC: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBC Β» Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+: https://www.cnbc.com/WatchCNBCPlus Turn to CNBC TV for the latest stock market news and analysis. From market futures to live price updates CNBC is the leader in business news worldwide. Connect with CNBC Newsβ¦
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