LONDON — Boeing's production of 737 Max aircraft is showing signs of improvement, according to Stephanie Pope, the newly appointed head of its commercial unit. This announcement precedes a major air show on Sunday, where Boeing is set to highlight its progress and future strategies. Despite these positive developments, Pope admitted that the company has "disappointed" its customers due to substantial delays in aircraft deliveries.

Boeing, a historic leader in the aerospace industry, has been contending with a series of crises that have severely impacted its operations. Among these issues is a recent incident involving a midair door plug blowout in January, which has exacerbated the company's already strained delivery schedules. This incident has also led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to intensify its oversight of Boeing, adding further scrutiny to the manufacturer's operations.

In her first news conference since assuming leadership of Boeing's commercial unit in March, Pope addressed these challenges directly. She reaffirmed Boeing's commitment to ramping up the production of the 737 Max to a target of 38 aircraft per month, a significant increase from the mid-20s per month that analysts reported for the first half of the year. Pope emphasized that this production increase is part of a broader strategy aimed at restoring Boeing's manufacturing quality, safety standards, and delivery predictability.

Pope described the company's efforts as a "transformational change," highlighting that the path to these improvements will be protracted. "It still doesn’t take away the reality that we’ve disappointed our customers," Pope said at the press conference held near London, just prior to the Farnborough Airshow. "We’ve impacted their business, and we haven’t met the commitments and lived up to being the partner that they expect and need us to be." Her candid acknowledgment of the impact on customers underscores the urgent need for Boeing to regain trust and stabilize its operations.

To address these issues, Boeing has introduced a series of ambitious goals aimed at overhauling its internal processes. These include enhancing worker training, refining manufacturing procedures, and implementing comprehensive improvement plans. Following the January blowout, Boeing submitted a detailed improvement plan to the FAA, a requirement imposed by the agency to ensure the company's adherence to stringent safety and quality standards.

Pope characterized this improvement plan as a long-term initiative, stating, "This plan is not a three-month plan. I call it transformational because some of these actions will take years." This remark underscores the extensive challenges Boeing faces and the prolonged timeline required to address them effectively.

The leadership changes at Boeing extend beyond Pope's appointment. In a broader leadership shakeup, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has announced his intention to step down by the end of the year. When questioned about her interest in the CEO role, Pope emphasized her commitment to the recovery and stabilization of the commercial unit, asserting, "That is my priority."

Boeing's difficulties are not confined to its commercial sector. The company’s defense unit is also encountering significant challenges. This includes delays in the modification of two Boeing 747s, which are designated to become the next Air Force One aircraft. Ted Colbert, CEO of Boeing's defense unit, acknowledged the ongoing difficulties, attributing them to persistent issues within the supply chain. “We continue to fight through some of the challenges that really stemmed from challenges in the supply chain,” Colbert said.

Boeing is set to report its quarterly results on July 31, with expectations that the company will disclose additional charges related to its defense unit. These financial disclosures will offer further insight into the impact of the current challenges on Boeing’s overall performance.

As Boeing navigates these complex issues, the company's ability to recover and restore confidence in its operations will be crucial. The coming months will be pivotal in determining how effectively Boeing can address its internal and external challenges and whether it can reclaim its position as a leading player in the aerospace industry.