Jammu, March 28 -- Growing frustration from top U.S airline executives over prolonged delays and issues securing aircraft deliveries from Boeing came to a head this month, culminating in a significant reshuffling of the aviation giant's leadership. Sources indicate CEOs from carriers like Southwest, United, Alaska and American had been agitating for a direct meeting with Boeing's board to voice concerns about a lack of meaningful progress in resolving issues.

However, before that could take place, Boeing's board pre-empted the move by initiating major changes at the top. Longtime CEO Dave Calhoun announced plans to step down by year's end, while board chairman Larry Kellner and Boeing's head of commercial airplanes also exited their role...