Boeing will 39;go slow39; as it deals with panel blowout aftermath
Posts fourthquarter revenue of 22 bln
Does not offer financial forecast for 2024
Shares extend gains, last up 6.1

Reuters Boeing Co executives on Wednesday stood by their financial targets for 20252026 and said the company is working hard to regain the confidence of regulators and customers after a midair cabinpanel blowout on a 737 MAX aircraft, lifting its shares 6.1.

As expected, CEO Dave Calhoun did not offer a financial or delivery forecast for 2024, stating that the company must focus on delivering quality airplanes.

However, Chief Financial Officer Brian West said during an earnings call the company remains confident it will reach free cash flow of about 10 billion and 737 production of 50 per month in the 20252026 timeframe, as the company outlined in November 2022.

West added that Boeing expects a steady year of cash flow based on 737 production at its current rate of 38 jets per month, as well as 737 and 787 deliveries from its inventory.

The accident involving an Alaska Airlinesoperated MAX 9 jet this month has turned into a fullblown safety and reputational crisis, potentially leading to slower jet production and a loss of more narrowbody market share to Airbus.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration FAA barred the company from lifting production earlier this month, while increasing its oversight. On Monday, Boeing withdrew a request to the FAA for an exemption it sought to speed up…