Boeing (NYSE: BA) shares experienced volatility following a week marked by a significant aircraft order and comments from CEO Kelly Ortberg regarding production challenges.
The company finalized a record order for 103 jets with Korean Air on September 16. The deal, valued at $36.2 billion at list prices, includes 20 777-9s, 25 787-10 Dreamliners, 50 737-10s, and eight 777-8 Freighters. This procurement commitment was first announced by the carrier in August 2025.
Separately, Boeing reported progress on the 737 MAX 10 certification. An executive stated that all flight testing for the variant had been completed, with the company aiming for certification “very soon.” The company also announced the completion of the first landing gear exchange with American Airlines for the 737 MAX, a program designed to reduce aircraft-on-ground risk.
However, comments from CEO Kelly Ortberg at the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference on September 16 weighed on the stock. Ortberg stated that it is taking “a little bit longer” than expected to stabilize 737 MAX production at 47 jets a month. He cited wing production bottlenecks at the Renton, Washington factory as the reason for the delay.
Consequently, Boeing shares fell as much as 6% intraday and closed 4.5% lower. This marked the stock’s largest single-day drop since May and extended its decline for the year to roughly 7%.
