Boeing CEO’s Exciting First Overseas Trip: What His India Visit Means for the Future of Aerospace

Boeing’s new President and CEO, Kelly Ortberg, is visiting India this week. This marks his first trip abroad since he took on the role in August.

During his three-day visit, Ortberg plans to meet with Boeing’s customers, government officials, and employees. He will visit some of Boeing’s key facilities in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, although details of the visit have been kept private.

Indian airlines are some of Boeing’s most important clients. They are facing delays in aircraft deliveries, which has become a significant issue. Notably, Akasa Air has ordered 226 Boeing 737 MAXs, while Air India has a substantial order of 220 aircraft, including 190 MAXs.

On Tuesday, Ortberg met with India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, alongside other Boeing executives. The discussion highlighted the growing partnership between Boeing and India. Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India, expressed gratitude for the productive talks on social media, emphasizing their commitment to India’s vision of self-reliance.

Ortberg has taken charge during a challenging time for Boeing. The company faces heightened regulatory scrutiny, especially after a significant incident involving quality control. Aircraft production has slowed, causing frustration for customers. Additionally, Boeing has dealt with workforce issues, including a two-month strike by machinists last September and recent job cuts that have affected employee morale.

In India specifically, Boeing’s delivery delays for the 737 MAX 8s have impacted Akasa Air’s fleet expansion. Only three MAXs were added in 2024, a significant drop from their previous rate of adding one plane per month. This has led to an oversupply of pilots at the airline. Similarly, Air India Express has had to borrow A320s from Air India due to complications arising from their MAX fleet order.

This visit by Ortberg comes at a crucial time as Boeing looks to strengthen ties with Indian airlines and address ongoing challenges in the aerospace market.

Published – January 15, 2025 01:28 pm IST

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