Boeing replaces 787 program boss after delay announced

Less than a week after announcing a delay in its new 787, Boeing Co. said today it is replacing Mike Bair, the program's vice president and general manager for the past three years.

Pat Shanahan, who has headed up missile defense systems at Boeing's Wichita-based military unit, will replace Bair. Bair has led the 787 program since 2004, when the company won its first order for the midsize, long-haul jet, Boeing said.

Bair has been named vice president of business strategy and marketing for the company's Seattle-based commercial airplanes division, Boeing said.

Both moves take effect immediately.

In a statement announcing the moves, the Chicago-based Boeing did not mention its decision last week to delay its first delivery of the 787 by six months to November or December 2008 because of production problems.

Scott Carson, chief executive of Boeing's commercial airplanes unit, praised Bair for the work he's done.

"Mike has taken the 787 program from a concept to a market-leading position," Carson said in a statement.

Boeing shares fell 39 cents to $94.44 in afternoon trading Tuesday.