Boeing

The Boeing Company stands as a cornerstone of global aerospace and defense, with a storied history dating back to 1916 when William E. Boeing founded Pacific Aero Products Company in Seattle, Washington. From its founding as a small seaplane manufacturer on the shores of Lake Washington to becoming the world's largest aerospace company and the fourth-largest defense contractor globally, Boeing has shaped the history of aviation and space exploration for over a century. The company is among the largest global aerospace manufacturers and the largest exporter in the United States by dollar value, operating through three primary divisions: Commercial Airplanes, Defense Space & Security, and Global Services.

Boeing's Commercial Airplanes division builds the iconic aircraft that connect the world, including the 737, 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner families, along with freighter and business jet variants. More than 14,000 Boeing commercial airplanes are in the global fleet today, carrying passengers and cargo to every corner of the planet. The company's Defense, Space & Security division manufactures military aircraft such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-15 Eagle variants, CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, while also developing advanced space systems including the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft and serving as prime contractor for NASA's Space Launch System. The Global Services division provides comprehensive aftermarket support, maintenance, and upgrades for Boeing and third-party aircraft, creating a recurring revenue stream that supports the company's long-term sustainability.

The modern Boeing was significantly shaped by its 1997 merger with McDonnell Douglas, completed on August 1, 1997, in a $13 billion stock swap that combined two aviation giants and consolidated much of the U.S. aerospace industry. The company's corporate headquarters has moved twice in recent decades—from its historic home in Seattle to Chicago in 2001, and then to Arlington, Virginia in 2022, reflecting strategic decisions to position leadership closer to key stakeholders. Despite these relocations, Boeing maintains massive manufacturing operations in the Puget Sound region of Washington State, South Carolina, and other facilities worldwide, employing a global workforce that numbered approximately 170,000 before recent workforce reductions.

Boeing's recent history has been marked by significant challenges alongside continued innovation. The company faced severe reputational and financial damage following two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX in 2018-2019, leading to the longest aircraft grounding in aviation history and fundamental questions about Boeing's safety culture and engineering practices. In 2024, Boeing encountered additional setbacks including a January door plug incident on a 737 MAX 9, a seven-week machinist strike that halted production, and delays to the 777X program pushing first deliveries to 2027. The company recorded a net loss of $11.8 billion in 2024 with annual revenue of $66.5 billion, reflecting the cumulative impact of production challenges, labor disputes, and defense program charges. In August 2024, Kelly Ortberg took over as CEO with a mandate to rebuild Boeing's safety culture, restore production stability, and regain stakeholder trust.

Despite recent turbulence, Boeing remains essential to global aerospace and continues to secure major orders, including a $36 billion contract from Turkey's Pegasus Airlines in December 2024. The company is investing $1 billion in its 787 program in South Carolina with plans to reach 10 aircraft per month by 2026, and has resumed 737 production following the strike resolution. With a backlog of over 5,500 commercial aircraft valued at $521 billion and ongoing defense and space contracts, Boeing's path to recovery depends on executing its production plans, maintaining quality and safety standards, and delivering on its commitments to customers and regulators. Industry analysts view 2025 as a crucial year for Boeing to demonstrate it can overcome its challenges and return to sustainable growth under new leadership.