CHICAGO -- Boeing Co. today named 3M chief executive James McNerney as chairman and CEO, bringing a long track record of integrity and success to a executive team recently marred by scandal.

McNerney, 55, formerly ran General Electric's jet engine division, and is credited with turning around 3M following his appointment there in 2001.

The world's second largest maker of commercial jets is showing a quick turnaround following a pair of highly publicized scandals.

Orders are up for aircraft as passengers return to the skies following the post 9-11 depression. And In 2008, Boeing will debut for commercial use its 787 Dreamliner plane, made of a special composite said to be lighter and more cost-effective than any other large passenger aircraft.

Boeing's previous CEO, Harry Stonecipher, left in March after admitting to an affair with a colleague. Former chief financial officer Mike Sears was jailed after Boeing was found to have made illegal arrangements with a top Pentagon procurement official who later came to work for the company.

Interim CEO James Bell will remain chief financial officer, Boeing said.

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