Boeing names Pat Shanahan as 787 programme manager

Boeing Co has appointed Pat Shanahan as vice-president and general manager of the 787 Dreamliner programme. Shanahan moves from vice-president, missile defence systems, at Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS), and succeeds Mike Bair, who will become vice-president, business strategy and marketing for commercial airplanes, replacing Mike Cave.

The company said that both changes are effective immediately.

"Pat's experience and proven record managing demanding and complex programmes will allow him to build on the 787 team's success as we tackle the challenges we face in bringing our new production system fully on line," said Boeing president and CEO Scott Carson. "He knows how to deliver results, understands our customers and their requirements, and has the leadership skills to get the job done.''

The move marks a return to Commercial Airplanes for Shanahan, who has led both the 757 and 767-400ER programmes. He moved to IDS in 2002, first to lead Boeing's Rotorcraft division, operated from the company's Philadelphia and Mesa sites, before taking over leadership of Boeing's missile defence programmes in 2004.

Mike Bair has been responsible for all aspects of the 787 programme since its launch in 2004. The 787 has enjoyed the most successful launch of any airplane programme in the history of commercial aviation, with 710 orders from 50 airlines from around the world.

Previously, Bair served as vice-president and general manager for Commercial Aviation Services.