United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is confident in Boeing’s direction after an executive meeting.

During the recent dedication of a new segment at its Flight Training Center in Denver, Colorado, on Feb. 22, 2024, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby shared a positive outlook on Boeing’s future prospects. The statement came after an important meeting with Boeing’s newly appointed CEO Robert “Kelly” Ortberg.

Kirby, who represents one of Boeing’s largest and historically most critical customers, expressed a significant shift in his sentiment toward the aerospace manufacturer. His renewed optimism stems from a personal interaction with Ortberg over lunch in the Dallas area earlier this week. After their discussion, Kirby shared his thoughts publicly in a LinkedIn post, noting his “renewed confidence” in Boeing’s path forward and predicting a quicker recovery than many might expect.

United Airlines currently has a major order of 484 aircraft outstanding with Boeing, demonstrating the deep financial and operational ties between the two companies.

Boeing’s new CEO, who took office just last week, brings more than three decades of aerospace experience from his tenure at Rockwell Collins. His early actions have included tours of Boeing facilities, such as the 737 factory in Renton, Wash., emphasizing hands-on leadership from Seattle, marking a strategic departure from past management practices.

Kirby praised Ortberg’s engineering background and proactive approach, noting that these qualities are crucial to driving the necessary cultural changes within Boeing. He expressed optimism about Ortberg’s commitment to transparency and responsiveness to both employees and major customers.

The leadership meeting comes at a critical time as Boeing recovers from recent safety issues, including a high-profile incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9, in which a door stopper malfunctioned due to improperly installed bolts. The incident is part of a series of challenges that have affected Boeing’s delivery schedules and impacted airline operations around the world, including major carriers like Southwest Airlines.

Ortberg, in communicating with his staff and industry partners, emphasized the collective desire and need for Boeing’s success, emphasizing the interconnected nature of the aerospace and airline industries.

Both executives are poised to lead their respective companies toward stability and growth; Kirby’s latest statements reflect a collaborative approach to overcoming industry hurdles.