Boeing CEO Ortberg to Highlight Recovery Progress at Morgan Stanley Conference

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg’s Upcoming Morgan Stanley Conference Presentation: A Critical Juncture in the Aerospace Giant’s Recovery Journey

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg’s scheduled appearance at the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference on September 11, 2025, represents a pivotal moment for the aerospace giant as it continues its complex turnaround under new leadership. The presentation, set for 11:30 AM PT, comes exactly one year and one month after Ortberg assumed the helm of one of America’s most important manufacturing companies during one of the most challenging periods in its storied history. This conference appearance provides Ortberg with a high-profile platform to communicate Boeing’s recovery progress to the investment community, particularly following the company’s improved second-quarter 2025 results that showed revenue climbing 35% year-over-year to $22.7 billion and aircraft deliveries increasing by 63% to 150 units compared to the same period in 2024. The timing is significant as it allows Ortberg to build upon recent momentum while addressing persistent challenges including certification delays for key aircraft variants, ongoing production constraints, and the complex task of rebuilding trust with regulators, customers, and stakeholders following years of safety crises and operational difficulties.

Ortberg’s appearance at this high-profile event is not just another investor update, it’s a strategic opportunity for Boeing’s new leadership to reaffirm its commitment to operational excellence, financial discipline, and long-term growth. The stakes are high, as the global aerospace industry closely watches how Boeing navigates its ongoing transformation and addresses the challenges that have shaped its recent history.

This article examines the leadership transformation under Ortberg, Boeing’s recent financial and operational performance, the ongoing challenges with certification and labor relations, and the market’s outlook as the company approaches this critical conference milestone.

The Leadership Transformation and Ortberg’s Strategic Vision

Engineering Roots and a Shift in Leadership Philosophy

Kelly Ortberg’s appointment as Boeing’s President and CEO in August 2024 marked a fundamental shift in the company’s leadership philosophy, representing a return to engineering-focused management after years of financial executive leadership. Ortberg, a mechanical engineer from the University of Iowa, brought over 35 years of aerospace experience, much of it at Rockwell Collins, where he rose from program manager to CEO. His deep technical background and history of product innovation positioned him as an ideal candidate to address Boeing’s multifaceted challenges.

The industry widely welcomed this pivot. Aviation experts and regulatory bodies, including the FAA, regarded an engineering CEO as a positive step toward restoring Boeing’s technical credibility and safety culture. Rob Britton, a former American Airlines executive, summed up the sentiment: “Engineers can learn finance, but finance people cannot learn engineering.” Ortberg’s move to Seattle, away from the corporate headquarters in Virginia, and his immediate visits to factory floors signaled a hands-on leadership style and a renewed focus on frontline operations.

Ortberg’s vision for Boeing rests on four pillars: changing the company culture by putting leaders closer to factory operations, stabilizing the business, enforcing operational discipline, and building a new future. These priorities aim to repair relationships with regulators, customers, and employees, and to restore Boeing’s standing as a global aerospace leader.

“Engineers can learn finance, but finance people cannot learn engineering.” — Rob Britton, Georgetown University

Immediate Actions and Cultural Impact

Ortberg’s first days as CEO were marked by visible actions designed to signal change. He relocated his office to Seattle and spent his first day touring the 737 Max factory, reversing the headquarters’ previous moves away from Boeing’s manufacturing roots. This hands-on approach resonated with employees and suggested a break from the more distant, finance-oriented leadership of recent years.

He has also prioritized direct communication with workers, encouraging feedback and involvement in the company’s transformation. Over 26,000 employee-submitted improvement ideas have been logged as part of Boeing’s culture change initiatives, and workforce retraining programs have been expanded to include more practical, hands-on training. These actions are designed to foster a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

Ortberg’s leadership has already begun to influence Boeing’s approach to regulatory relations and safety management, with a focus on transparency, responsibility, and proactive engagement with the FAA and other authorities.

Strategic Vision and Long-Term Goals

Ortberg’s strategic vision is ambitious, targeting a return to profitability, sustainable production increases, and a renewed commitment to safety and quality. He has outlined plans to stabilize production, resolve certification challenges, and strengthen Boeing’s supply chain. The company’s targets for 2026 include delivering more than 700 aircraft, generating $80 billion in revenue, and achieving $3.50 earnings per share, ambitious goals that hinge on executing operational and cultural reforms.

Ortberg’s approach emphasizes incremental, measurable progress, particularly in production and safety metrics. By focusing on quality before seeking higher production rates, he aims to ensure that Boeing’s recovery is both sustainable and credible in the eyes of regulators and customers alike.

The upcoming Morgan Stanley conference is expected to serve as a platform for Ortberg to articulate this vision, address investor concerns, and reinforce Boeing’s commitment to its transformation journey.

Financial Performance and Recovery Metrics

Recent Financial Results and Momentum

Boeing’s second-quarter 2025 results marked a turning point in its financial recovery. Revenue rose 35% year-over-year to $22.7 billion, driven by a 63% increase in aircraft deliveries (150 units, up from 92 a year earlier). The company’s net loss narrowed from $1.4 billion to $612 million, and the adjusted loss per share improved from $2.90 to $1.24, outperforming consensus estimates.

Perhaps most importantly, Boeing achieved positive operating cash flow of $200 million for the first time since 2023, compared to a $3.92 billion cash burn in the same quarter of 2024. This positive cash flow is a key indicator of operational stabilization and a prerequisite for long-term financial health.

At quarter’s end, Boeing held $23.0 billion in cash and marketable securities, with a reduced debt load of $53.3 billion and access to $10.0 billion in undrawn credit facilities. The company’s order backlog stood at approximately $619 billion, covering more than 5,900 commercial aircraft, providing visibility into future revenue streams.

Boeing delivered 150 aircraft in Q2 2025, up 63% year-over-year, and reported $22.7 billion in revenue, a 35% increase.

Production Stabilization and Key Challenges

Reaching the FAA-imposed cap of 38 737 MAX aircraft per month by May 2025 was a critical milestone. This rate, though below Boeing’s historical output and profitability threshold, reflects significant progress from the constrained production levels following safety incidents. Ortberg has emphasized the importance of stabilizing this rate and achieving quality benchmarks before seeking approval to ramp up further.

Production improvements extend to other programs, including the 787 Dreamliner, with 24 units delivered in Q2 2025. Boeing’s supply chain reforms, focusing on supplier diversification, data integration, and financial safeguards, are designed to address vulnerabilities exposed by previous disruptions and to rebuild strained supplier relationships.

Despite these improvements, Boeing faces continued challenges in manufacturing efficiency, as measured by the number of hours spent working out of sequence on the assembly line. The company and FAA closely monitor these metrics to determine readiness for further production increases.

Financial Outlook and Analyst Sentiment

Boeing’s management has reaffirmed its target of positive free cash flow by Q4 2025 and a return to net profit in 2026. The company’s 2026 guidance includes delivering more than 700 aircraft, $80 billion in revenue, and $5.6 billion in free cash flow. These targets are ambitious and depend on resolving certification delays, stabilizing production, and maintaining operational discipline.

Analyst coverage reflects cautious optimism. The consensus rating is “Moderate Buy,” with an average 12-month price target of $228.90. Morningstar recently raised its fair value estimate to $249 per share, citing sustained improvements in financial results and delivery rates as key indicators of recovery. Boeing’s stock is up over 30% since Ortberg’s appointment, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

However, analysts also highlight risks, including ongoing negative earnings per share and the potential for further certification or production setbacks. The market’s response to Ortberg’s conference presentation will be closely watched as a gauge of investor sentiment and confidence in Boeing’s trajectory.

Certification, Safety, and Regulatory Relations

Certification Delays and Technical Challenges

Certification delays for the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants remain a significant obstacle. Both are now expected to achieve certification in 2026, primarily due to unresolved issues with the engine anti-ice system. The FAA’s heightened scrutiny, following the MAX crashes and subsequent incidents, has resulted in a more rigorous and time-consuming certification process.

The 777X program has also experienced repeated delays, with entry into service now anticipated in 2026 and commercial operations not expected until 2027. These delays have forced airlines to adjust fleet plans and, in some cases, swap orders to accommodate shifting delivery timelines.

Ortberg has made it clear that safety and compliance take precedence over speed to market, even at the cost of short-term revenue and customer frustration. This approach is intended to rebuild trust with regulators and customers and to ensure that future certifications meet the highest safety standards.

“We found some issues with the design implementation we had, so we’re going to have to back up and make some additional design changes to get through that de-icing requirement.” — Kelly Ortberg, Boeing CEO

Safety Management Systems and Regulatory Engagement

Ortberg’s tenure has been marked by a more transparent and accountable relationship with regulators, particularly the FAA. After the Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX door plug incident, Boeing submitted a comprehensive Safety and Quality Plan and began monthly progress meetings with the FAA to monitor key performance indicators and safety metrics.

Boeing is transitioning to a mandatory Safety Management System, as required by post-MAX crash legislation. Ortberg has acknowledged gaps identified in internal and external audits and committed to having the new system in place by October 2025. Extensive employee retraining and competency evaluations are being implemented to support this transition.

Employee engagement in safety initiatives has surged, with thousands of improvement ideas submitted and additional training hours required. These efforts are designed to drive cultural change and embed safety as a core organizational value.

Labor Relations and Workforce Management

Labor relations have been a defining issue during Ortberg’s first year. The 53-day strike by 30,000 machinists in Seattle, resolved with a 38% pay increase over four years, demonstrated both the challenges and the potential for improved morale and quality. However, financial pressures led to the announcement of 17,000 layoffs (10% of the workforce) in October 2024, affecting all organizational levels.

Ortberg described these layoffs as necessary for long-term competitiveness, but they have been met with concern by unions and employees. Severance packages and continued benefits have been negotiated to provide some protection for affected workers.

These workforce changes, along with the end of 767 production in 2027 and 777X delays, reflect Boeing’s broader efforts to streamline operations and optimize its portfolio in response to evolving market and operational realities.

Market Position, Competitive Dynamics, and Strategic Outlook

Competitive Landscape and Customer Relations

Boeing’s production constraints and safety incidents have allowed Airbus to gain market share, particularly in the narrow-body segment. The current FAA cap on 737 MAX production limits Boeing’s ability to fulfill its substantial backlog efficiently, creating competitive disadvantages.

Despite these challenges, Boeing’s $619 billion order backlog and continued demand from major customers like Ryanair demonstrate the company’s enduring market position. Customer sentiment has improved under Ortberg’s leadership, with Ryanair’s CEO expressing renewed confidence in Boeing’s direction and delivery quality.

Global trade dynamics, including US-EU agreements exempting aerospace from tariffs, have helped sustain Boeing’s export competitiveness. The company’s diversified portfolio, particularly its Global Services division, provides stable revenue streams that help offset volatility in aircraft deliveries.

Financial Market Perception and Analyst Coverage

Wall Street’s consensus “Moderate Buy” rating and recent analyst upgrades reflect cautious optimism about Boeing’s recovery. The average price target of $228.90 and Morningstar’s increased fair value estimate underscore improved confidence, though risks remain.

Analysts are closely monitoring delivery rates, certification progress, and cash flow as key indicators. The upcoming Morgan Stanley conference will be a critical opportunity for Ortberg to address these metrics and reinforce investor confidence.

Insider selling activity and ongoing negative earnings per share projections highlight the uncertainty and challenges that Boeing still faces. The market’s response to Ortberg’s presentation will provide important signals about the perceived sustainability of Boeing’s turnaround.

Strategic Challenges and Future Opportunities

Boeing’s path to achieving its 2026 targets is fraught with challenges, including certification delays, production constraints, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the need for ongoing cultural transformation. Success will require disciplined execution, strong stakeholder engagement, and continued investment in operational excellence and safety.

The company’s supply chain reforms, adoption of advanced data systems, and renewed focus on quality are designed to create a more resilient and competitive manufacturing operation. The defense and space business, while facing its own challenges, provides important diversification and growth opportunities.

The Morgan Stanley conference is more than a routine investor update, it is a public test of Boeing’s progress, leadership, and credibility. Ortberg’s ability to communicate a clear, realistic, and compelling vision will be critical to sustaining momentum and rebuilding trust with all stakeholders.

Conclusion

Boeing’s recovery under Kelly Ortberg is one of the most closely watched corporate transformations in the aerospace industry. The company has made significant strides in stabilizing operations, improving financial performance, and rebuilding relationships with regulators, employees, and customers. The upcoming Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference is a pivotal moment for Ortberg to demonstrate continued progress and reinforce Boeing’s commitment to safety, quality, and long-term growth.

While challenges remain, particularly around certification, production rates, and workforce management, Boeing’s substantial order backlog, improved financial results, and renewed focus on operational excellence provide a strong foundation for future success. The coming months will be critical as the company seeks to deliver on its ambitious targets and reestablish itself as a trusted leader in the global aerospace market.

FAQ

Q: When and where is Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg speaking?
A: Kelly Ortberg will present at the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference on September 11, 2025, at 11:30 AM PT.

Q: What are Boeing’s recent financial highlights?
A: In Q2 2025, Boeing reported $22.7 billion in revenue (up 35% year-over-year), delivered 150 aircraft (up 63%), and achieved positive operating cash flow for the first time since 2023.

Q: What challenges is Boeing currently facing?
A: Boeing faces certification delays for key aircraft (737 MAX 7, MAX 10, 777X), production constraints, supply chain issues, and the need to rebuild trust with regulators and customers.

Q: How have analysts responded to Boeing’s recovery?
A: Analysts maintain a “Moderate Buy” consensus, with an average 12-month price target of $228.90, reflecting cautious optimism about Boeing’s trajectory.

Q: What is the significance of the Morgan Stanley conference for Boeing?
A: The conference provides a platform for Ortberg to update investors on Boeing’s recovery progress, address challenges, and reinforce confidence in the company’s strategic direction.

Sources: Boeing Media Room