Washington, DC, June 13 - In a somber response to a devastating aviation tragedy, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and GE Aerospace have scaled back their public engagements following the fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, June 12, 2025, claimed the lives of over 240 passengers and crew, marking it as the worst aviation disaster in a decade. The jet, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed into a medical college hostel during lunch hour, leaving only one survivor. In light of this catastrophe, Ortberg announced the cancellation of his planned trip to the Paris Airshow, scheduled for June 16 to June 20, 2025, at Le Bourget, France, while GE Aerospace postponed its investor day, originally set for June 17, to focus on supporting the ongoing investigation.
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The Paris Airshow, the global aviation industry’s largest trade event, is typically a vibrant platform for showcasing new aircraft, announcing major orders, and fostering industry partnerships. This year, however, the tragedy has cast a pall over the event, prompting Boeing and GE Aerospace to prioritize their response to the crash. Ortberg, in a message to Boeing staff on Thursday evening, stated that he and Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, would remain with their team to focus on supporting Air India and assisting with the investigation. The decision reflects Boeing’s intent to address the immediate needs of its customers and the broader aviation community during this crisis. Similarly, GE Aerospace, whose engines powered the ill-fated 787, canceled its investor briefing and announced plans to send a team to India to analyze crash data. A company statement emphasized that its senior leadership is committed to supporting both the investigation and its customers.
The Air India jet, delivered in 2014, had accumulated over 41,000 flight hours, including 420 hours across 58 flights in May and 165 hours in 21 flights in June 2025, according to aviation data analytics. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, led by Indian authorities with participation from Boeing, GE Aerospace, and U.S. federal investigators, early expert analysis suggests that a manufacturing issue is unlikely, given the aircraft’s decade-long service history. The investigation’s findings, which may not be available until next year, will be critical in determining the factors behind the tragedy. The crash has intensified scrutiny on Boeing, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, including safety concerns following two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 and a mid-flight door plug incident in January 2024.
These events led to the departure of former CEO Dave Calhoun and heightened regulatory oversight. Ortberg, who assumed leadership in 2024, has been working to restore trust and stabilize Boeing’s operations. The Paris Airshow, initially seen as an opportunity to highlight Boeing’s recovery with over 300 new orders and increased 737 production, will now proceed with a more subdued tone. Industry delegates anticipate fewer high-profile announcements and press conferences, with some order reveals potentially delayed as a mark of respect for the victims. Boeing had planned an immersive pavilion at the airshow, showcasing a 777-300ER, F-15 Eagle, CH-47 Chinook, KC-46 Pegasus, P-8 Poseidon, and Wisk Aero’s all-electric air taxi. However, the absence of Ortberg and Pope underscores the company’s focus on addressing the crisis. GE Aerospace’s decision to forgo its investor day further reflects the industry’s collective mourning. As the investigation unfolds, both companies are bracing for a challenging period, with the aviation community closely watching their response to this tragedy.