Boeing is a vital defense contractor, despite all the PR disasters. They are definitely in the territory of government bailout if they were truly to go under.
Would I bet on Boeing being alive in 40 years? Not really, not without a huge overhaul in their business. Would I bet on them being alive in 15 years when I retire? Probably.
>>johnny+(OP)
I agree that Boeing will still exist in some capacity in the near-medium future. But a healthy pension fund requires more than just existing in my opinion. It needs a healthy, young base of employees who are contributing while you're retired and good governance of investments.