Chris Calio

Chris Calio became President and CEO of RTX Corporation in May 2024, succeeding Greg Hayes who led the formation of RTX through the transformative merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation in 2020. RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company by revenue, with three major business units: Collins Aerospace (avionics, aircraft interiors, mechanical systems, and mission systems), Pratt & Whitney (commercial and military jet engines), and Raytheon (missiles and defense, including Patriot, Stinger, Tomahawk, and advanced defense electronics). Calio's most immediate challenge is managing the Pratt & Whitney GTF (Geared Turbofan) engine powder metal contamination issue. A manufacturing defect in certain engine components requires accelerated inspections and potential replacements of engines powering Airbus A320neo family aircraft — one of the world's most popular commercial jets. The program is expected to cost several billion dollars and temporarily reduce the available aircraft fleet for airlines. Managing this issue while maintaining customer relationships and production rates is Calio's top priority. Simultaneously, RTX is well-positioned for a defense spending upcycle driven by geopolitical tensions — particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East instability, and Indo-Pacific competition. Raytheon's portfolio of missiles, air defense systems (Patriot is in enormous demand), and electronic warfare capabilities is directly aligned with current defense priorities. Key stock drivers include GTF engine issue resolution costs and timeline, defense bookings and backlog growth, commercial aerospace aftermarket demand, Collins Aerospace growth, and Calio's execution of the still-maturing merger integration.