FlightGlobal Focus

Steve Parker has been at the helm of Boeing Defense, Space & Security since 2024, first on an interim basis and later as the permanent chief executive officer.

A Boeing insider of more than 30 years, Parker stepped into the role at a time of tremendous uncertainty for the company. Its fighter manufacturing business was looking shaky, the world was questioning whether helicopters still had a role in modern combat, and poorly structured, fixed-price contracts from the 2010s were generating billions of dollars in losses.

Nearly two years later, the picture couldn’t be more stark.

Demand for precision munitions is booming. There is renewed interest in existing platforms like the AH-64E attack helicopter and F-15EX fighter, and Boeing secured a massive contract to produce the new F-47 sixth-generation fighter.

Boeing has also emerged as a leader in the development of uncrewed jet aircraft like the MQ-28 Ghost Bat fighter and MQ-25 Stingray tanker.

FlightGlobal’s managing editor for defence Greg Waldron sits down with Steve Parker to discuss the company’s turnaround and what to expect from Boeing over the next few years.

Airline executives arrived at this year's AGM with a growing list of problems that transcend borders: higher fuel costs tied to Middle East instability, severe engine shortages, aircraft delivery delays and mounting questions about the viability of sustainable aviation fuel.

Boeing appears to be regaining momentum after years of manufacturing and certification setbacks, expecting 737 Max 7 and 10 certifications this year followed soon after by the 777-9's approval. Meanwhile, Russia's import-substitution strategy advances with key approvals, while Honeywell Aerospace reveals a strategy refresh ahead of its planned 29 June spin into a standalone publicly traded firm.

With Canada having shortlisted Saab's GlobalEye and the US administration seemingly back on board the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail programme, we assess the latest developments in the airborne early warning sector.
How might additional nations – and the NATO alliance – look to bolster their surveillance capabilities, and could China gain an information advantage as it develops its own advanced platforms?
FlightGlobal's European defence editor hosts a discussion looking at the global state of play for airborne early warning, with Americas defence reporter Ryan Finnerty and Asia defence editor Greg Waldron.

With an annual turnover of almost $21 billion, Boeing Global Services' activities span everything from aircraft maintenance and fleet support for commercial and military customers, to parts and distribution, manufacturing cabin products and delivering training. FlightGlobal Focus sat down with BGS CEO Chris Raymond to discuss the affects of ongoing Middle East instability, soaring fuel costs and the resulting potential for fleet adjustments and new aircraft sales. Plus, we look at latest developments involving Boeing's integration of the former Spirit AeroSystems business in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and a recent deal to deliver enhanced support for the UK military's fleets of Apache and Chinook helicopters.