Scott Carson, CEO of Boeing's Commercial Airplanes Division,made it clear that the new 787 production line schedule was the big reason that he decided to leave Boeing, a company where he's spent the last 41 years.

In a letter to employees that he titled "an incredible journey," Carson wrote that "My decision is tied to many factors, but perhaps the most important reason for me was resetting the schedule on the 787. With this baseline in place the new leader will have a clear path forward."

Carson is also turning over to Albaugh a decision with huge import for Washington state's economy: When 787 production is up and running, Boeing has said it will need to create a second production line to keep up with demand. That production line could end up outside of Washington, and state officials fear that it could end up in South Carolina, where Boeing recently acquired a major 787 supplier.

Carson is also leaving after more certainty has been assigned to the total development costs of the 787. Boeing said last week that the first three 787s that it's building in Everett will cost the company a total of $2.5 billion, or a $2.21-per-share charge it will take in the third quarter. The news was cheered by investors as the stock soared more than 8 percent in Aug. 27 trading.