Boeing to slash 800 jobs at military aircraft facility

The Boeing Company has announced plans to cut approximately 800 positions at its Integrated Defence Systems facility in Wichita, Kansas in 2009. Boeing attributes the reductions to the end of some programmes and the delay in the US Air Force tanker-replacement program. The layoffs will impact managers and both salaried and hourly workers.

Boeing will deliver 60-day layoff notices to approximately 76 employees on Friday, Nov. 21. Their last day of work is scheduled for mid-January. The company will deliver the balance of the layoff notices throughout 2009, with most occurring in the first half of the year.

"We regret the need to reduce employment. We understand the disruptions that layoffs cause in personal lives and in our community," said Scott Strode, vice president and general manager of Boeing Wichita. "However, a combination of events are limiting our business options and forcing us to reduce our current employee total. We also are taking steps to restructure our business in order to lower our rates and become more affordable for customers."

Boeing Wichita today employs approximately 3,000 people who work on a variety of programs, including Global Transport & Executive Systems programs for the U.S. executive fleet, B-52/Refueling Systems Support, 767 International Tanker, Mission Planning, engineering support for Airborne Laser and 747-8, and Integrated Logistics Support.

"Our goal is to place more work in Wichita, but while we seek new business, it is vital for the future health of Boeing Wichita that we address our current business realities," said Strode.

Boeing will help as many affected employees as possible find jobs at other Boeing locations. The company also will provide resume-writing assistance and job-hunting workshops.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defence Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specialising in military aircraft.

Headquartered in St Louis, Boeing Integrated Defence Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.