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Reflecting on Bill Allen's legacy amid debate over new leadership at Boeing

Policy
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Christine Forbes Smith Editorial Director | Airline Ratings

As debate continues over the suitability of Stephanie Pope to lead Boeing Commercial Airplanes, it is worth recalling that Bill Allen, a lawyer by profession, was arguably Boeing's most influential president. Allen's tenure saw the launch of several aircraft that revolutionized aviation.

Critics have questioned Ms. Pope’s qualifications to revitalize the commercial division of the aerospace giant, noting her lack of engineering background.

William McPherson Allen was born on September 1, 1900, in Lolo, Montana. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1925 and joined the Board of Boeing Air Transport in 1930 while working at Seattle law firm Donworth, Todd & Higgins. In 1931, he joined the Board of Boeing Airplane Company as corporate counsel. By 1944, he was appointed President of Boeing when then-Chairman Claire Egtvedt determined that none of the company's senior engineers had sufficient experience to lead.

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Allen initially felt unqualified for the role but eventually accepted after some persuasion. He became Boeing’s longest-serving President from September 1, 1945, until April 29, 1968, and later served as chairman until 1972.

During his leadership, Allen oversaw the introduction of iconic aircraft such as the B-47, B-52, 707, 720, 727, 737 and 747. These models established Boeing as a dominant force in commercial aviation.

The following are notable moments from his career captured in photographs from Boeing’s Historical Archives:

- Mr. Allen holding a model of the B-29 while conversing with Dwight D. Eisenhower.

- Taking a jet flight on a company B-47 bomber.

- The christening ceremony of the Boeing 707 prototype with Mrs. Boeing.

- With Tex Johnston after the first flight of the 707.

- Seated with C.R. Smith and Wellwood Beall in a mockup of the 707.

- Standing alongside C.R. Smith and Bill Patterson during United Airlines' signing for thirty Boeing 720s.

- After the first flight of the 747.

- On stairs to a 747 with Juan Trippe and other Pan Am executives including Charles Lindbergh.

These images highlight significant milestones under Allen's leadership.

Organizations Included in this History
Airline Ratings
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Lufthansa appoints Felipe Bonifatti as VP for Asia Pacific

Lufthansa Group has announced the appointment of Felipe Bonifatti as Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East. Based in Singapore, Bonifatti will oversee all commercial activities, including Joint Venture sales, in the Asia Pacific region starting November 1, 2024.

Sep 26, 2024

UNI Property Services outlines strategic plan at global conference

Union leaders from over 30 countries gathered in Galway this week for the UNI Property Services Global Conference. The conference focused on building union power in the cleaning and security sectors, with delegates voting on strategic initiatives to address low wages, job insecurity, and unsafe working conditions. These initiatives will guide the sector's actions for the next four years.

Sep 26, 2024

Air France introduces free ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi across all aircraft starting in 2025

Air France is set to enhance its onboard Wi-Fi service, marking a significant move towards providing an upgraded travel experience. Starting in 2025, the airline will gradually introduce ultra-high-speed connectivity for passengers, aiming to offer a "ground-like" internet experience. This new service will be free of charge across all travel cabins and accessible by logging into a Flying Blue account. The rollout will eventually cover all Air France aircraft, replacing the current Wi-Fi offering.

Sep 26, 2024

Court rules in favor of Puerto Rico police bureau employees over withheld health benefits

Eleven civilian employees of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) have secured a favorable ruling in their federal class action lawsuit against both their employer and the Union of Organized Civilian Employees. The lawsuit accused these entities of illegally discriminating by removing an employer-provided health benefit from employees who chose not to join the union. These employees argued that this action violated their First Amendment rights to abstain from unwanted union affiliation, receiving legal support from National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation attorneys.

Sep 26, 2024

Air France highlights new routes partnerships at IFTM Top Resa trade fair

After a summer marked by the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Air France teams attended the IFTM Top Resa trade fair for three days filled with announcements, conferences, and meetings with tourism professionals.

Sep 24, 2024

Michigan security guards vote against mandatory union dues

A group of Michigan security guards employed by Triple Canopy, Inc. has voted to remove the power of United Government Security Officers of America (UGSOA) union officials to mandate union dues as a condition of employment. The vote, known as a "deauthorization" election, took place by mail in April and May, but the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) only recently released the full vote count.

Sep 23, 2024

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