This was in the context of employee morale. They went on to discuss it further, including the potential threat of layoffs. It wasn't a remark on the aircraft,

This was in the context of employee morale. They went on to discuss it further, including the potential threat of layoffs. It wasn't a remark on the aircraft, it was a remark on how Boeing's employees are feeling right now. If you read beyond the first two paragraphs the context is clear.