Boeing beefs up jetliner program
Two key Boeing Co. defense executives have been quietly transferred to the troubled 787 jetliner program, suggesting that problems with developing the plane could be worse than the company has revealed.
In what some analysts said was an unusual move, the two executives were placed on “special assignment” with the commercial aircraft division in Seattle in early January, two weeks before Boeing announced that production problems had forced a further delay in initial deliveries of the Dreamliner.
Boeing disclosed the transfers Friday as it announced that it was making a flurry of executive changes at its defense business.
The highly-touted and hot-selling 787 is now about nine months behind schedule and the first jets are not expected to reach airlines until early next year. Boeing has sold nearly 860 Dreamliners, which can carry about 250 passengers and fly farther while burning less fuel than the current generation of mid-size commercial jets.
“Problems are more severe than Boeing is letting on,” said Scott Hamilton, an aviation consultant in Issaquah, Wash. “I suspect there will be more delays.”
But Boeing spokesman Dan Beck said the move did not indicate anything more than one division helping out another. “They are two very skilled individuals who are supporting a program that is an important part of Boeing’s future.”
The two executives are John Van Gels, who was head of operations and supplier management for Boeing’s Integrated Defense Systems, and Howard Chambers, who ran the company’s Space and Intelligence Systems business, which includes the satellite-making operations in El Segundo.
Van Gels is considered Boeing’s guru on managing the complex network of suppliers who make parts for military aircraft and weapons. Chambers is credited with turning around the company’s C-17 military transport program in Long Beach and the satellite-making business.
They follow Pat Shanahan, another defense executive, who was tapped to lead the 787 program after the company announced the initial six-month delay last fall. Boeing has said that one of the main causes of the delays has been problems with major components provided by outside suppliers.
The transfers -- initially temporary assignments -- apparently have left a deep void at the defense units, which Boeing began filling this week. In Friday’s announcement, the company said it was promoting several executives, many of them as a result of the transfers.
In addition to the executives, hundreds of engineers and technicians from its defense business have also been shifted to the Dreamliner program, Boeing sources said.
