Boeing plans job cuts in airplane programs

Boeing plans to cut jobs in its commercial airplanes division, which includes its 787 Dreamliner program in North Charleston (pictured). The company did not disclose where, when or how many jobs will be eliminated. (Photo/Liz Segrist)

In an effort to remain competitive and cut costs, Boeing plans to eliminate an unspecified number of jobs in its commercial airplane programs, division CEO Ray Conner told employees in a webcast on Wednesday.

Boeing did not release any information on how many jobs will be cut, which sites or programs will be impacted or when cuts will occur.

The Boeing Commercial Airplanes division includes the 787 Dreamliner program in North Charleston and Everett, Wash. Boeing spokespeople declined to comment on whether cuts will impact Boeing South Carolina’s Dreamliner program.

Boeing South Carolina employs about 7,500 people across all of its divisions, including the 787 campus, interiors facility, propulsion center, and research and technology operations.

“To win in the market, fund our growth and operate as a healthy business, we are taking thoughtful steps to reduce the cost of designing and building our airplanes,” Boeing spokesman Doug Alder said in an emailed statement.

Part of the new cost-cutting plan involves evaluating employment levels across the entire Commercial Airplanes program, beginning with executives and managers. Boeing plans to use attrition as well as voluntary layoffs. The company said involuntary layoffs may be necessary.   

“The overall employment impact will depend on how effectively we bring down costs as a whole,” Alder said.