Boeing CEO Tells Employees, ‘We Can’t Afford Another Mistake’

In a companywide meeting on Nov. 20, Boeing’s CEO told employees, “We can’t afford another mistake.”

The Wall Street Journal reported that Boeing Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg discussed the issues that have led the company to its current financial position but emphasized how the company’s mistakes will not shape its future.

“We spend more time arguing amongst ourselves than thinking about how we’re going to beat Airbus,” Ortberg said during the meeting. “Everybody is tired of the drumbeat of what’s wrong with Boeing. I’m tired of it and I haven’t been here that long.”

Ortberg added, “Boeing has faced many highs and lows. We’re at a low here folks. We have an opportunity today to come racing out of where we are and to really improve.”

He cited several reasons why the company is lagging financially, including the aftermath of its eight-week machinist strike and the layoff of thousands of employees.

How Will the Potential for Imposed Tariffs From China Affect Boeing?

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg weighed in on the potential of imposed tariffs from China in the meeting. He shared details with Boeing employees of a call he had with President-elect Donald Trump.

The two discussed the impact of potential tariffs on Boeing. Ortberg revealed that a trade war with China would impact the company directly as Boeing sells jets to Chinese airlines, while the U.S. doesn’t import any aircraft from the country.

Ortberg started as CEO in August with a mandate to turn Boeing around after a series of production misfires and a strike that halted production of its most profitable commercial jets. The Wall Street Journal reported that, according to Ortberg, Boeing has been “burning through billions of dollars and can’t tap investors for another rescue.”

Boeing also faces more obstacles to its production challenges. Many of these were prompted by January’s Alaska Airlines blowout, in which a door plug on a 737 Max blew out in midair.